Phospholipid bilayer: Difference between revisions
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Phospholipid bilayers form the plasma membrane that surrounds all cells. The bilayer consists mainly of phospholipids which are amphipathic molecules, with a hydrophillic phosphate head group and two hydrophobic fatty acid chains. As well as these, the membrane also contains various other types of lipid such as choleserol 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 | Phospholipid bilayers form the [[plasma membrane|plasma membrane]] that surrounds all [[cells|cells]]. The bilayer consists mainly of phospholipids which are [[amphipathic|amphipathic]] molecules, with a [[hydrophillic |hydrophillic]][[phosphate|phosphate]] head group and two hydrophobic [[fatty acid|fatty acid]] chains. As well as these, the membrane also contains various other types of lipid such as [[choleserol|choleserol]] 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 == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 15:09, 2 December 2011
Phospholipid bilayers form the plasma membrane that surrounds all cells. The bilayer consists mainly of phospholipids which are amphipathic molecules, with a hydrophillicphosphate head group and two hydrophobic fatty acid chains. As well as these, the membrane also contains various other types of lipid such as choleserol 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 [1].
References
- ↑ Bradley P and Calvert J. (2008) Compendium for medical sciences, 1st edition, Banbury: Scion Publishing Limited. (pages 33-34)