Phospholipids Flashcards
What is a phospholipid?
A phospholipid is a type of lipid molecule that is the main component of a cell membrane each phospholipid is made up of two fatty acid tails a phosphate group head, when phospholipids line up they form double layer that is a characteristic of all membrane.
What is the main function of phospholipids?
Phospholipids provide barriers in cellular membranes to protect the cells and they make barriers for the organelles within those cells ,phospholipids work to provide pathways for various substances across member
What is the definition of lipid bilayer?
Lipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that make up the cell membrane
How is a membrane formed?
To form membranes phospholipids lineup next to each other with their heads on the outside of the cell and their tails on the inside a second layer is formed of phospholipids also with the heads on the outside of the cell and the tails on the inside in this way a double layer is formed with phosphate group heads on the outside and fatty acid tails on the inside this double layer is called a lipid bilayer.
What are receptor proteins and what is their function?
Receptor proteins allows the cell to recognise and respond to external stimulus ,to recognise what is happening within the environment.
What are glycoproteins?
Glycoproteins are proteins to have carbohydrate groups attached to them this can act as cell-surface receptors for things like hormones and neurotransmitters.
What is cholesterol and why is it important in a phospholipid?
It helps to give the membrane strength and stability it has hydrophobic properties which help the hydrophobic tail and the phospholipid to hold together this further prevents water loss cholesterol will increase the close packing of the phospholipid this reduces the movement in the bilayer making the bilayer more rigid.
What are glycolipids?
Glycolipids is a lipid that have carbohydrates bound to them this helps form attachments and for signal recognition.
Why is a phospholipid a fluid mosaic?
It is a fluid because the phospholipid and other components of the membrane are not fixed in place it is a mosaic due to the wide range of different shapes and sizes of the parts that make up the membrane.
