Definition
noun
The two layers of phospholipids arranged in such a way that their hydrophobic tails are projecting inwards while their polar head groups are projecting on the outside surfaces
Supplement
This arrangement of phospholipids in bilayer is used to describe the cell membranes of many animal and plant cells. The two layers of phospholipids are arranged in a way that their hydrophobic tails are projecting to the interior whereas their hydrophilic heads are projecting the exterior. This organization of phospholipids in the cell membranes makes the latter selectively permeable to ions and molecules.
Synonym(s):
Lipid bilayer
The lipid bilayer is phospholipids organized in two layers wherein their hydrophobic tails are projecting inward while their polar head groups are projecting outward
Supplement
The lipid bilayer is used to describe the membranes of animal and plant cells in which the organization of the phospholipids are essential in cell membrane functions, such as the selective permeability to ions and molecules between the cell and the environment. The lipid bilayer of the cell membranes of many animals and plants have proteins dispersed or interspersed on the lipid bilayer. This organization functions primarily in the selective transport of molecules in and out of the cell.
See also:
- Fluid mosaic model
- phospholipid
- plasma membrane
