What is the structure of a biological cell membrane?

The cell membrane is arranged into a polar structure known as a "phospholipid bilayer" which is made up of many phospholipids. The phospholipid has a hydrophilic (water loving) head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails (water hating). The long chain of phospholipids includes two phospholipids with their tails pointing towards each other and the hydrophilic heads pointing away from each other into the intracellular and extracellular spaces of the cell.
There are many more features of the biological cell membrane such as; peripheral and integral membrane proteins, glycoproteins (protein with carbohydrate attached), glycolipids (lipid with carbohydrate attached), aqua pores, transport proteins and cholesterol. All of these features are critical for the integrity of the plasma membrane and consequently, the function of the cell.

Answered by Biology tutor

2695 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

A patient is infected by a pathogen. Explain the process of the imitation of the immune response (5 marks) The paitent was prescribed antibiotics yet their symptoms did not improve. What can you infer from this? (1 mark)?


How does deforestation lead to reduced soil fertility?


Explain how the structure of the lung enables rapid gas exchange?


Describe action potential and how it allows for signals to be transmitted along neurons.


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning