Biological Molecules: Phospholipids

Question 1

Phospholipids Formation

Answer 1

• Formed by the condensation of one molecule of glycerol, two fatty acids and one phosphate-containing group

Question 2

Phospholipid Properties

Answer 2

• Polar
- Phosphate heads are hydrophilic (loves water) and the tails are hydrophobic (hates water), meaning they are polar molecules

• Phospholipids are an important part of cell surface membranes and form a barrier

• The hydrophilic heads of the phospholipids can be used to hold the surface of the cell surface membrane
• Centre of bilayer is hydrophobic, so water soluble substances can’t pass through easily

Question 3

Phospholipid Function

Answer 3

• Make up the bilayer of cell membranes

- Cell membranes control what enter and leaves the cell