What is the role of phospholipids in cell membranes?

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Q: What is the role of phospholipids in cell membranes?

Solution: Phospholipids form the bilayer structure of cell membranes, providing structural integrity and acting as a barrier.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand that phospholipids are special molecules that have a 'head' and two 'tails'.
Step 2: The 'head' of the phospholipid is attracted to water (hydrophilic), while the 'tails' are not (hydrophobic).
Step 3: In a cell, phospholipids arrange themselves in two layers, with the heads facing outward towards the water inside and outside the cell.
Step 4: This arrangement creates a barrier that protects the inside of the cell from the outside environment.
Step 5: The bilayer structure also allows certain substances to pass in and out of the cell, maintaining the cell's integrity.