Definition of Phospholipids



Phospholipids belong to the class of lipids and they are formed by the reaction of fatty acid with the residue of alcohol. The phospholipids are composed of two parts i.e., a tail and a head. The tail is generally hydrophobic in nature whereas the head contains a phosphate group and is hydrophilic.

 


The phosphate group in the head can also be replaced by some organic entities like choline, ethanolamine and serine. The phospholipids are known to be one of the components that make up the cell membrane of the living organisms. Another type of lipids, that is sterol is also present along with the phospholipids in the plasma membrane.

 


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