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2.2.g Describe the structure of a phospholipid and relate the structure of phospholipids to their functions in living organisms.
- One particularly important type of lipid is called the ‘phospholipid’.
- Each phospholipid has one end which is soluble in water (hydrophilic), and one which avoids water (hydrophilic).
- The hydrophilic end (water-loving) is polar and comprises a phosphate head and glycerol.
- The hydrophobic end (water-hating) are two fatty acid tails.
The images above show a diagram of a phospholipid molecule.
⚠️🧠Remember: “-phobic” means to be scared off (like phobia!), and “hydro-” means water, therefore hydrophobic literally means scared of water! 👻
Function of Phospholipids
- Phospholipids are required for the membrane of a cell (forming the bilayer membrane surrounding cells.
- The hydrophilic heads are outside in the watery solution, whilst the hydrophobic tails are on the inside and do not let any water through.
Awesome! See you around! 🥳
References:
- Brent Cornell. Retrieved from https://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-1-cell-biology/13-membrane-structure/phospholipid-bilayer.html
- Jones, M., & Parkin, M. (2018). Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.