Читать книгу Introduction to the Human Cell - Danton PhD O'Day - Страница 7

As you might have realized from the previous paragraphs, the fluid mosaic model emphasizes the fact that the cell membrane is flexible (fluid) and made up of many specific components (mosaic) that define its functions. The basic structure of all biomembranes is defined by their continuous component—the phospholipid bilayer. Phospholipids are fats that have important attributes that allow them to form membranes. One part of the lipid molecule associates with water while the other part shuns it. This “amphipathic” nature (having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components) of phospholipid molecules underlies the basic structural organization of biological membranes (Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.2. The structure of phospholipids and their orientation within the cell membrane.

•Hydrophilic head—“likes water”—the polar end of the lipid molecule

•Hydrophobic tail—“hates water”—non-polar chain of fatty acids—Tail length and the number of double bonds varies