Why Are Phospholipids Important In Cell Membranes?

Phospholipids are lipids that are basically a fatty acid with a phosphate group. Like fatty acids, they do not dissolve in water. The tail of a phospholipid is hydrophobic but the head of the molecule is hydrophilic. One end 'hates' water while the other end 'loves' water.

This contrast results in the molecules lining up with each other to form phospholipid bilayers. Their tails are on the inside of the layer, so can keep away from water, and the heads are on the outside, in contact with the water inside and outside the cell. This double membrane is a feature of every living cell, whether plant or animal.

Phospholipids can also form bilayered lipid vesicles inside the cell – these are lysosomes when they contain lytic enzymes and other types of vesicle when they have other contents. Cell membranes have proteins and proteins attached to sugar molecules embedded in the phospholipid bilayer.

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