Phospholipids

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-008780",
  "term": "Phospholipids",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A class of lipids that are major components of all cell membranes, composed of a phosphate-containing polar head group and two nonpolar hydrocarbon tails. The amphipathic nature of these molecules causes them to spontaneously form a lipid bilayer in aqueous environments, with the tails facing inward. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are common examples found in biological systems.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "lipids",
    "esters",
    "phosphatidic acids",
    "phosphoglycerides"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1995, 67, 1307. 'Glossary of class names of organic compounds and reactivity intermediates based on structure (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)' on page 1358 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199567081307)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/phospholipids/"
}