The structure of individual phospholipids will be discussed as we move on in this article. The hydrophobic tails are attached to the polar head of the compound. Hydrophobic tails, made by two fatty acids present in them.Thus, each phospholipid has both polar and non-polar ends. However, the fatty acids impart the hydrophobic characteristics to these compounds. The presence of phosphate group in phospholipids makes them polar. However, it must for a phospholipid to have two fatty acids attached to alcohol via an ester bond, and a phosphate group attached to the same alcohol molecule via a phosphodiester bond. The nature of alcohol and the fatty acids varies from compound to compound. However, all the compounds included in this category follow one general structure or general formula. Phospholipids include a large variety of compounds that have different structures and properties. Later, we will try to understand the structure, metabolism and functions of some important phospholipids present in the human body. In this article, we will discuss the general structure and classification of phospholipids. They are the most prominent lipids present in all types of membranes.ĭifferent phospholipids have different structures, properties, and importance in the human body. Phospholipids are characterized by having a phosphate group in their structure making them polar compounds. Phospholipids are one of these heterogeneous compounds included in this category of biological molecules. Lipids is a broad category of organic compounds that vary greatly in their structure and properties. What are the functions of phospholipids?.
This separation is essential for many biological functions, including cell communication and metabolism. As a result, there are two distinct aqueous compartments on each side of the membrane. The polar heads contact the fluid inside and outside of the cell.īecause of the phospholipds’ chemical and physical characteristics, the lipid bilayer acts as a semipermeable membrane only lipophilic solutes can easily pass the phospholipd bilayer. The hydrophobic tails associate with one another, forming the interior of the membrane. \( \newcommand\): Phospholipid Bilayer: The phospholipid bilayer consists of two adjacent sheets of phospholipids, arranged tail to tail.
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