Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

32. Lipids

Intro to Lipids

Organic Chemistry

32. Lipids

Intro to Lipids

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of phospholipids in biological membranes?

To store energy for long-term use

To transport oxygen in the bloodstream

To act as a catalyst in biochemical reactions

To form the structural basis of cell membranes

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Verified step by step guidance

Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes. They can form lipid bilayers because of their amphiphilic characteristic.

Each phospholipid molecule has a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'. This structure allows them to form a bilayer in aqueous environments.

In the bilayer, the hydrophilic heads face outward towards the water, while the hydrophobic tails face inward, shielded from the water. This arrangement is crucial for the structural integrity of cell membranes.

The primary function of phospholipids in biological membranes is to provide a barrier that marks the boundaries of a cell. They form the structural basis of cell membranes, allowing the cell to maintain a distinct internal environment.

Phospholipids also contribute to membrane fluidity and flexibility, which are essential for the function of the cell membrane, including the transport of substances in and out of the cell.