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A '''phospholipid''', or phosphatide, is a member of a large class of fat-like organic compounds that in their molecular structure resemble the [[triglyceride]]s, except for the replacement of a [[fatty acid]] with a [[phosphate]]-containing polar group. The polar end of the molecule is soluble in [[water]] ([[hydrophilic]]) and water solutions (including [[cytoplasm]]); the other, fatty-acid end is soluble in fats ([[hydrophobic]]). In a watery environment phospholipids naturally combine to form a two-layer structure, [[lipid bilayer]], with the fat-soluble ends sandwiched in the middle and the water-soluble ends sticking out. Such [[lipid bilayer]]s are the structural basis of [[cell membrane]]s. Phospholipids are the principal components of the [[myelin sheath]]s of [[neuron]]s. Examples of phospholipids include [[lecithin]], [[cephalin]]s, [[phosphoinositide]]s (in the brain), and [[cardiolipin]] (in the heart).
A '''phospholipid''', or phosphatide, is a member of a large class of fat-like organic compounds that in their molecular structure resemble the [[triglyceride]]s, except for the replacement of a [[fatty acid]] with a [[phosphate]]-containing polar group. The polar end of the molecule is soluble in [[water]] ([[hydrophilic]]) and water solutions (including [[cytoplasm]]); the other, fatty-acid end is soluble in fats ([[hydrophobic]]). In a watery environment phospholipids naturally combine to form a two-layer structure, [[lipid bilayer]], with the fat-soluble ends sandwiched in the middle and the water-soluble ends sticking out. Such [[lipid bilayer]]s are the structural basis of [[cell membrane]]s. Phospholipids are the principal components of the [[myelin sheath]]s of [[neuron]]s. Examples of phospholipids include [[lecithin]], [[cephalin]]s, [[phosphoinositide]]s (in the brain), and [[cardiolipin]] (in the heart).
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Cellular Biology]]
[[Category:Cellular Biology]]
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]