NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Biological membranes consist of a continuous double layer of lipid molecules in which membrane proteins are embedded. This lipid bilayer is fluid, with individual lipid molecules able to diffuse rapidly within their own monolayer. The membrane lipid molecules are amphipathic. The most numerous are the phospholipids.

Detailed explanation-2: -In addition to the barrier function, lipids provide membranes with the potential for budding, tubulation, fission and fusion, characteristics that are essential for cell division, biological reproduction and intracellular membrane trafficking.

Detailed explanation-3: -Three types of lipid are found in biological membranes, namely phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols. Phospholipids consist of two fatty acid chains linked to glycerol and a phosphate group. Phospholipids containing glycerol are referred to as glycerophospholipids.

Detailed explanation-4: -Membrane lipids are principally of two types, phospholipids and sterols (generally cholesterol). Both types share the defining characteristic of lipids-they dissolve readily in organic solvents-but in addition they both have a region that is attracted to and soluble in water.

Detailed explanation-5: -Lipids are fundamental building blocks of all cells and play many important and varied roles. They are key components of the plasma membrane and other cellular compartments, including the nuclear membrane, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and trafficking vesicles such as endosomes and lysosomes.