Question

Describe the structure of phospholipids. How are they arranged in the cell membrane ?

Answer 1

Phospholipids make up the basic structure of a cell membrane. A single phospholipid molecule has two different ends: a head and a tail. The head end contains a phosphate group and is hydrophilic. This means that it likes or is attracted to water molecules. The tail end is made up of two strings of hydrogen and carbon atoms called fatty acid chains. These chains are hydrophobic or do not like to mingle with water molecules. The phospholipids of a cell membrane are arranged in a double layer called the lipid bilayer. The hydrophilic phosphate heads are always arranged so that they are near water. Watery fluids are found both inside a cell (intracellular fluid) and outside a cell (extracellular fluid). The hydrophobic tails of membrane phospholipids are organized in a manner that keeps them away from water.