answersLogoWhite

0

Fats are known as lipids in Biology. Cell membranes consists of a phospholipid bilayer, which are 2 layers of phospholipids. A phospholipid is a phosphate group attached to a glycerol, which is attached to 2 fatty acid tails. At the biochemical level, fat is simply a long chain of carbons with hydrogens attached. To understand the organic structure, visualize a centipede. The body is the carbon chain and the hydrogens are the legs. For a carbon chain to be a fatty acid, oxygen and hydroxide (OH) usually bond to the end of the chain.

The phospholipid bilayer is important in maintaining cell structure because cells are surrounded by water, and water is attracted to the phosphate groups, but want to stay away from the fatty acids (water and oil, or fat, do not mix!). Because of this interaction, the fatty acid tails face each other in the middle of a membrane layer while the phosphate groups are on the surfaces of the membrane.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Does euglena have a cell membrane?

Yes, Euglena has a cell membrane. The cell membrane surrounds the cell and helps regulate the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.


What role does the alpha helix protein play in the structure and function of the cell membrane?

The alpha helix protein helps form the structure of the cell membrane by creating channels and pores that allow substances to pass through. It also helps maintain the integrity and stability of the membrane.


What does the endoplasmic in a cell do?

i am pretty sure that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) helps with the cell membrane and if part of the cell membrane dies it helps rebuild that part of it


What cell helps maintain homeostasis?

the cell membrane :)


What is the material that composes the cell membrane?

The cell membrane is composed of phospholipids. They form a bilayer for the cell.


How can cell membrane be like walls?

The cell membrane keeps the cell from falling apart and helps it stay intact.


How does the cell membrane help the plant cell?

The Cell Membrane helps the plant cell by guarding any viruses that come near it.


What are the different lipids that are in cell membrane?

Phospholipids are found in the cell membrane which form the bilayer


What cell membrane does for a plant cell?

it helps it obtain life.


Is there a membrane in a plant and amimal cell?

Yes A membrane works like skin. It helps protect the cell.


What is The plasma membrane helps to maintain a cells what?

The plasma membrane helps to maintain homeostassi within the cell by allowing substances to move in and out of the cell the plasma membrane is used to maintain homeostasis within the cell by allowing substances to move in and out of the cell


What cell structures are made primarily from phospholipids?

cell membrane