How do phospholipids form membranes?

Phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes. They are ideal components of membranes due to their structure. They consist of a glycerol and phosphate 'head' attached to two fatty acid 'tails'. The tails are hydrophobic, meaning water-hating, and the head is hydrophilic, meaning water-loving. When many phospholipids are put in an aqueous solution such as the extracellular space, the hydrophobic tails move around in order to escape the water molecules. A formation that allows this is the lipid bilayer, in which the phospholipids form two rows, with the hydrophobic tails hiding on the inside and the hydrophilic heads on the outside. This creates a water-proof, insoluble barrier, making membranes effective at separating the inside and outside of a cell. This is also the structure of membranes surrounding organelles.

LE
Answered by Lauren E. Biology tutor

13688 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the electron acceptor used in photosynthesis


mRNA is used in translation to make polypeptides. Describe the process of how mRNA (Messenger RNA) is produced in the Nucleus.


What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?


The genetic code is described as being degenerate. What does this mean? and why ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences