Phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane

The phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane is the primary structural component of all cellular membranes, composed predominantly of amphipathic phospholipids arranged in a bilayer with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward. This architecture creates a selective permeability barrier, allowing the cell to maintain an internal environment distinct from the external milieu, regulate molecular traffic, participate in cell signaling, and support membrane protein function. The bilayer, supplemented by other lipids (sterols, glycolipids) and a diverse set of membrane proteins, provides critical roles in structure, communication, energy transduction, and homeostasis. The specific composition and dynamic nature of the membrane are implicated in numerous physiological and disease processes—including aging, neurodegeneration, infection, and metabolic disorders. While not itself a molecular "target," the membrane is affected by drugs that disrupt, modulate, or utilize its properties.

Other names

Phospholipid bilayerlipid bilayercell membraneplasma membrane (when referring to the outer membrane in eukaryotes)

Disruption of membrane integrity (causing cell lysis or altered permeability) Modulation of membrane fluidity (to alter protein or ion channel function) Inhibition of membrane-associated enzymes or receptors via direct/indirect effects