What is the function of phospholipids?

Cells are important components of animal bodies. They are the basic building blocks of life. Fats and lipids, such as phospholipids and steroids, make up cells. read more

Phospholipids can also be used as signal transducers between cells. They can be split to produce products that function as second messengers in cellular systems. As a second messenger, phospholipids can signal for leukocytes to migrate to a site of infection, and they can also inhibit neurons. read more

Phospholipids are composed of two fatty acid tails attached to a glycerol head, according to"Biology: Concepts and Connections." The glycerol attaches to a phosphate group. The head is hydrophillic, meaning it's attracted to water. The tail is hydrophobic, or resistant to water. Phospholipids in an aqueous solution assemble themselves into bilayers. read more

Function of Phospholipids. The most important function for a phospholipid is to form the phospholipid bilayer. In this bilayer, the phospholipids are arranged so that all the hydrophillic heads are pointing outward and the hydrophobic tails are pointing inward. read more