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The three main structures phospholipids form in solution; the liposome (a closed bilayer), the micelle and the bilayer. [1] The lipid bilayer (or phospholipid bilayer) is a thin polar membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules. These membranes are flat sheets that form a continuous barrier around all cells.
Phospholipids are a key component of all cell membranes. They can form lipid bilayers because of their amphiphilic characteristic. In eukaryotes, cell membranes also contain another class of lipid, sterol, interspersed among the phospholipids. The combination provides fluidity in two dimensions combined with mechanical strength against rupture.
The functions of lipids include storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes. [3] [4] Lipids have applications in the cosmetic and food industries, and in nanotechnology. [5]
Membrane lipids are a group of compounds (structurally similar to fats and oils) which form the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. The three major classes of membrane lipids are phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol. Lipids are amphiphilic: they have one end that is soluble in water ('polar') and an ending that is soluble in fat ...
The nuclear envelope, also known as the nuclear membrane, [1] [a] is made up of two lipid bilayer membranes that in eukaryotic cells surround the nucleus, which encloses the genetic material. The nuclear envelope consists of two lipid bilayer membranes: an inner nuclear membrane and an outer nuclear membrane. [4]
The cell membrane has different lipid and protein compositions in distinct types of cells and may have therefore specific names for certain cell types. Sarcolemma in muscle cells: Sarcolemma is the name given to the cell membrane of muscle cells. [46] Although the sarcolemma is similar to other cell membranes, it has other functions that set it ...
Most important among these is a cell nucleus, [2] an organelle that houses the cell's DNA. This nucleus gives the eukaryote its name, which means "true kernel (nucleus)". Some of the other differences are: The plasma membrane resembles that of prokaryotes in function, with minor differences in the setup. Cell walls may or may not be present.
The number, size and protein composition of peroxisomes are variable and depend on cell type and environmental conditions. For example, in baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae), it has been observed that, with good glucose supply, only a few, small peroxisomes are present. In contrast, when the yeasts were supplied with long-chain fatty acids as sole ...