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The plasma membrane and other membranes of a cell are composed mostly of proteins and a type of lipid called phospholipids. A phospholipids molecule is structured with two fatty acids. The two fatty acids at one end (the tail) of the phospholipids are hydrophobic (not attracted to water). The other end (the head) of the molecule includes a phosphate group, which is negatively charged and hydrophilic (attracted to water). Thus, the tail end of a phospholipids is pushed away by water, while the head is attracted to water.

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13y ago
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11y ago

Phospholipids play a major role in plasma membranes, as plasma membranes are basically a phospholipid bilayer. Phospholipids consist of a phosphate head and a lipid tail. This membrane stops unknown chemicals or unwanted chemicals from entering the cell.

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a double layer of phospholipid molecules with hydrophobic tails oriented inward, toward each other

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Q: Describe how phospholipid molecules are oriented in the plasma membrane of a cell?
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