BRAINCAKEPhospholipid Bilayer
The basic structure of every membrane is a phospholipid bilayer. A phospholipid molecule is made from glycerol, two fatty acids and a phosphate group.
The phosphate-containing head is charged, so it is hydrophilic (attracted to water). The two fatty acid tails are non-polar, so they are hydrophobic (repelled by water).
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Key terms in this lesson
- aquaporin
- A channel protein in a cell membrane that allows water molecules to pass through rapidly by facilitated diffusion.
More in Eukaryotic Cells
- Transmission Electron Microscope
- Scanning Electron Microscope
- Ultrastructure
- Membranes
- Membrane Proteins
- Fluid Mosaic Model
- Eukaryotic Cells
- Protoplasm
All 30 lessons in Eukaryotic Cells · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics