Cell Membrane

Phospholipid

A type of lipid with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail that forms cell membranes.

Hydrophilic

A property of a molecule that is attracted to water; in phospholipids, the 'head' is hydrophilic.

Hydrophobic

A property of a molecule that repels water; in phospholipids, the 'tail' is hydrophobic.

Bilayer

A double-layer formation of phospholipids, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Cell membrane function

To separate the internal cellular environment from the extracellular environment, maintaining homeostasis.

Transmembrane proteins

Proteins that span the entire membrane and may function in transport, signaling, or structural roles.

Cholesterol in membranes

Molecules that add stability to the cell membrane and help maintain its fluidity.

Carbohydrates on membranes

Chemical additions that serve as identification tags for cells, recognized by the immune system.

Transport proteins

Proteins embedded in the membrane that facilitate the movement of substances across the membrane.

Cell adhesion molecules

Proteins that help cells stick to one another and to their surroundings, playing roles in tissue formation.