Phospholipid bilayer: Difference between revisions
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Phospholipid bilayers form the [[ | Phospholipid bilayers form the [[Plasma membrane|plasma membrane]] that surrounds all [[Cells|cells]]. The molecules that makes up the cell membrane are called phospholipids. Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. This means that they have a hydrophobic phosphate head and two hydrophilic fatty acid tails. These components of the phospholipids cause them to orientate themselves so the phosphate head can interact with water and the fatty acid tails can't, hence forming a bilayer. This arrangement can also be called a bio-molecular sheet as the hydrophobic tails from each individual lipid sheet interact with one another forming a hydrophobic interior that acts as a permeability barrier. <ref>Berg M, Stryer L and Tymoczko J. (2007) Biochemistry, 7th edition, New York: WH Freeman</ref> As well as these, the membrane also contains various other types of lipid such as [[Cholesterol|cholesterol]] and [[Proteins|proteins]]. These [[Molecules|molecules]] contribute significantly to the mass of the membrane. The bilayer is arranged so that the phospholipid heads face outwards and the fatty acid chains face inwards, with cholesterol and proteins scattered throughout the membrane. This structure is described as fluid because the phospholipids can diffuse along the membrane <ref name="null">Bradley P and Calvert J. (2008) Compendium for medical sciences, 1st edition, Banbury: Scion Publishing Limited. (pages 33-34)</ref>. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
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Revision as of 15:29, 30 November 2012
Phospholipid bilayers form the plasma membrane that surrounds all cells. The molecules that makes up the cell membrane are called phospholipids. Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. This means that they have a hydrophobic phosphate head and two hydrophilic fatty acid tails. These components of the phospholipids cause them to orientate themselves so the phosphate head can interact with water and the fatty acid tails can't, hence forming a bilayer. This arrangement can also be called a bio-molecular sheet as the hydrophobic tails from each individual lipid sheet interact with one another forming a hydrophobic interior that acts as a permeability barrier. [1] As well as these, the membrane also contains various other types of lipid such as cholesterol and proteins. These molecules contribute significantly to the mass of the membrane. The bilayer is arranged so that the phospholipid heads face outwards and the fatty acid chains face inwards, with cholesterol and proteins scattered throughout the membrane. This structure is described as fluid because the phospholipids can diffuse along the membrane [2].
References