Lipids with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic tails that self-assemble into membranes.
A glycerol backbone carries two fatty acids and a phosphate group linked to a polar group such as choline. These amphipathic molecules form bilayers, micelles and liposomes in water.
They are the main membrane lipids and provide a basis for drug delivery in liposomes and lipid nanoparticles.
Lipids with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic tails that self-assemble into membranes.
Phospholipids is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Lipids, Water Properties, Amino Acids.
MRNA vaccines use lipid nanoparticles to carry mRNA into cells.
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Phospholipids. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Phospholipids are Lipids, Water Properties, Amino Acids, Steroids. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Phospholipids. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
Phospholipids: Lipids with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic tails that self-assemble into membranes. Lipids: Hydrophobic molecules including fats, oils, waxes and steroids used for energy storage, insulation and membranes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Lipids and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Hydrophobic molecules including fats, oils, waxes and steroids used for energy storage, insulation and membranes.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryA polar molecule that forms hydrogen bonds, giving cohesion, high specific heat and excellent solvent ability essential for life.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryTwenty building blocks, each with an amino group, a carboxyl group and a variable side chain.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryLipids built on four fused carbon rings, including cholesterol and hormones like oestrogen and testosterone.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry