Chapter 19, Problem 58P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference between the cell membrane composed of oleic acid and stearic acid needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Phospholipid is a type of lipid that contains a phosphorus atom. They are mainly found in the cell membrane of plants and animals. They are also called as phosphoacylglycerol as two fatty acids with phosphate group and alcoholic group are bonded to the glycerol molecule through ester linkage.

The phospholipid molecule has two ends; polar end and non-polar end. Two long hydrocarbon chains of fatty acids form the non-polar end of the molecule and hydrophobic in nature whereas the phosphate group is polar and hydrophilic in nature. Due to this dual nature of phospholipid molecules, they form a lipid bilayer that can effectively involves in transfer of different hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules across the cell membrane.