2006-09-04 17:47:18 · 2 answers · asked by ? 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
A phospholipid, as in the phospholipid bilayer that makes up human cells, is a type of lipid (fat). (Remember lipids and water don't mix and the majority of the human body is made up of water) 2 fatty acid chains and 1 phosphate group are attached to glycerol. One unique characteristic of a phospholipid is that it is amphipathic. This means that it has a hydrophilic (water loving, because of the phosphate group) part and a hydrophobic (water fearing) part. This unique quality is what allows us to have cells. The hydrphobic portion of the phospholipid is what maintains the cells as compartments. It is within these compartments that specialized functions occur.
2006-09-04 17:56:48 · answer #1 · answered by kbit03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look it up - do your own homework - don't you have a text?
2006-09-05 03:38:41 · answer #2 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋