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What are phospholipids? Watch

Tj789
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We're learning about cell membranes and im really confused. What are membranes made of? Is it phospholipids???
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Joshalos
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(Original post by Tj789)
We're learning about cell membranes and im really confused. What are membranes made of? Is it phospholipids???


Correct. The cell membrane is composed of phospholipids in a bilayer. The hydrophobic tails face inwards away from the aqueous intracellular and extra cellular fluid, whilst the hydrophillic heads turn outwards.

There are other components in the membrane however.

Integral proteins which include such proteins as channels and transporters so molecules can get in and out of the membrane (those which are too large or charged to diffuse through), peripheral proteins, glycoproteins and glycolipids which can form components such as receptors and antigens.

Also in the membrane is cholesterol which provides stability to the membrane by controlling its fluidity, in response to temperature change.
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Tj789
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(Original post by Joshalos)


Correct. The cell membrane is composed of phospholipids in a bilayer. The hydrophobic tails face inwards away from the aqueous intracellular and extra cellular fluid, whilst the hydrophillic heads turn outwards.

There are other components in the membrane however.

Integral proteins which include such proteins as channels and transporters so molecules can get in and out of the membrane (those which are too large or charged to diffuse through), peripheral proteins, glycoproteins and glycolipids which can form components such as receptors and antigens.

Also in the membrane is cholesterol which provides stability to the membrane by controlling its fluidity, in response to temperature change.
Tanx! You know glycoproteins and lipids do they have the exact same roles?
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Joshalos
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Tanx! You know glycoproteins and lipids do they have the exact same roles?
They both have roles in cell-cell recognition although function by different pathways. Glycolipids also function as energy stores.
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