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A phospholipid is a lipid that is a primary component of cell membranes.

Phospholipids consist of a water- soluble head (a positively charged ( polar) group), linked to two water-insoluble nonpolar tails (by a negatively charged phosphate group). Both tails consist of a fatty acid, each 14-24 carbon groups long.

Common types of phospholipids are: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). PC is the major component of lecithin, and PE that of cephalin.

Due to its polar nature, the head of a phospholipid is attracted to water (it is hydrophilic). The nonpolar head is not attracted to water and is said to be hydrophobic. When placed in water, phospholipids form a bilayer, where the hydrophobic tails line up against each other. This forms a membrane with hydrophilic heads on both sides. This membrane is partially permeable and very flexible.

See also: biochemistryBiochemistry is the chemistry of life. Biochemists study the elements, compounds and chemical reactions that are controlled by enzymes and take place in all living organisms. Biochemistry is focused on the structure and function of cellular components, su, lipid, lipid bilayerIn biology and chemistry, a lipid bilayer is a membrane or zone of membrane composed only of lipid. Lipid bilayer is the foundation of all biological membranes, and is a prerequisite of cell-based life. Within a critical range of concentrations, certain k, antiphospholipid syndromeAntiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a disorder of coagulation, and causes thrombosis in both arteries and veins, as well as recurrent miscarriage. It is due to the autoimmune production of antibodies against cell membrane co;