Phospholipids Flashcards
What are phospholipids?
A modified triglyceride containing glycerol, 2 fatty acid side chains and a phosphate group
Why are properties of phospholipids unusual?
Because the length allows the head and tail region to differ in solubility
Which part of a phospholipid is hydrophilic?
The head
Why is the head of a phospholipid hydrophilic?
Because the phosphate group has extra electrons which allows the phosphate head to mix in amongst water molecules (which are polar)
What part of a phospholipid is hydrophobic?
The tail which doesn’t readily mix with water
Why do different phospholipids have different tails?
Because the fatty acid tails may be saturated or unsaturated and can be kinked, which effects membrane fluidity
What can be attached to the head of a phospholipid?
Different chemical groups such as nitrogen containing, water soluble choline
What do phospholipids form?
Membrane bilayer which are two layers of phospholipids with the tails facing eachother (membrane structure) and micelles which are single layer with the tails facing inwards to separate cell contents from the cytosol.
Where do membrane bilayers form?
Around the cell or around organelles within cells
How can membrane fluidity be changed?
By increasing the number of unsaturated fatty acids to increase the number of kinks in the tail
How are glycolipids formed?
When a carbohydrate is attached to the phosphate head
What are glycolipids involved in?
Signalling which allows for cells to identified by the body
What is a surfactant/surface citing agent?
When a layer is formed on the surface of water with the fatty acid tail sticking out
Where are surfactants found?
In lining of the alveoli
