Phospholipid in cell membrane

Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules making up the principal lipid component of all biological membranes, including the cell membrane. Each phospholipid contains a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head group with a phosphate and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail made of two fatty acids. In water, they self-assemble into bilayers that form the selective barrier of cells, segregate internal cell compartments (organelles), and provide fluidity and flexibility essential for numerous cellular processes. Major types of membrane phospholipids include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and sphingomyelin. Phospholipids can also participate in cell signaling—certain phosphorylated derivatives function as second messengers. Disruption of phospholipid composition or metabolism can contribute to various diseases and cellular dysfunctions[1][2][3][5][6].

Other names

membrane phospholipidlipid bilayer phospholipidbiological membrane phospholipid

None (phospholipids as a bulk component are not targeted by drugs; drugs that influence phospholipid metabolism act on enzymes rather than the phospholipids themselves)