Question #b7944
1 Answer
Sep 24, 2015
A phospholipid is a lipid that contains a phosphate group as part of its structure.
Explanation:
Many lipids consist of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached.
A phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone with two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a polar molecule.
The phosphate group and polar molecule form the hydrophilic head of the lipid, while the fatty acids form a hydrophobic tail.
When phospholipids are placed in water, they orient themselves into a bilayer.
The non-polar tails are on the inside of the bilayer, while the polar heads are on the outside and face the water.
(from www.suggestkeyword.com)
Phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes.
