What is the purpose of the phospholipid molecule?

Function. Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Biological Science identifies a variety of vital functions that phospholipids perform. The fluid nature ... The semi-permeable nature of the phospholipid bilayers allow the free diffusion of small molecules, such as oxygen, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide. read more

The fatty acid chains act as the tails of the phospholipid while glycerol acts as a head. The glycerol molecule also attaches to a phosphate group. The phosphate group causes the glycerol head to become hydrophilic. read more

The glycerol molecule is also attached to a phosphate group, and this is the hydrophilic part of the molecule. The 'tail' ends of the fatty acid chains opposite the glycerol is the hydrophobic part of the molecule. Function of Phospholipids. The most important function for a phospholipid is to form the phospholipid bilayer. read more

This layer makes up your cell membranes.Phospholipids have multiple function in cells in forming the permeability barrier of the cell membrane and intracellular organdies.They were providing the supporting matrix and surface for many catalytic processes and also providing precursors for signaling processes and macro molecular synthesis. read more