Written report

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PHOSPHOLIPIDS

Phospholipids are major components of the plasma membrane, the outermost layer of
animal cells. called Phospholipids which is made up of a hydrophilic tails and hydrophobic
heads. These Phospholipids arrange themselves into two parallel layers known as the
Phospholipid bilayer. To qualify as a phospholipid, the phosphate group should be modified by
an alcohol. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine are examples of two important
phospholipids that are found in plasma membranes.

A phospholipid is an amphipathic molecule which means it has both a hydrophobic and

a hydrophilic component. A single phospholipid molecule has a phosphate group on one end,
called the "head," and two side-by-side chains of fatty acids that make up the lipid "tails. " The
phosphate group is negatively charged, making the head polar and hydrophilic. The phosphate
heads are thus attracted to the water molecules in their environment. The lipid tails, on the
other hand, are uncharged, nonpolar, and hydrophobic. A hydrophobic molecule repels and is
repelled by water.

The human body naturally produces phospholipids. However, consuming certain dietary
sources can also boost their presence in the body. Phospholipids are commonly found in foods
containing lecithin. Lecithin-rich foods include egg yolks, wheat germ, soy, milk, and lightly
cooked meats. Fatty foods and some vegetable oils also contain phospholipids.

The reason why the body naturally produces phospholipids is that it performs
vital functions within the body. These important cellular barriers support all cognitive function,
cardiovascular health, nerve health, liver function, and digestion.
 The plasma membrane is a formation of continuous double-layered phospholipids
together with cholesterol, and proteins. Cholesterol is also an amphipathic molecule
(hydrophilic and hydrophobic structure) which is needed to form or make vitamin D, steroid
hormones, and acids for digestion in some specialized tissues.

The shape of the cholesterol helps slightly immobilize the outer surface of the
membrane and make it less soluble to very small water-soluble mols. that could otherwise pass
thru easily. Cell membranes would be too watery, loose, and too permeable to some molecules
which is a result of not having cholesterol. In other words, cholesterol keeps the membrane
from turning really soft.

Cholesterol may affect lipid bilayers through Mechanical Stability, Fluidity and
Permeability. It affects Mechanical stability through its rigidity, it enhances the mechanical
stability of the lipid bilayers; Fluidity regulates the fluidity/liquidity of the cell membrane;
Permeability: cholesterol is a critical regulator.

Cholesterol also has multiple functions in the body. It stands as the precursor to steroid
hormones such as Glucocorticoids (blood sugar regulation), Mineralcorticoids (mineral balance
and blood pressure regulation) and Sex Hormones (many functions).

On the other hand, steroids are considered to be lipids since they are hydrophobic and
insoluble when submerged in water. Steroids are lipids and in most cases produced from
cholesterol in the adrenal glands and gonads. ‘Natural’ Steroids are produced by the body with
it being necessary to sustain life since they act as hormones, thus, they are important in growth
and sexual development of a body.
 Under the category of steroids, Anabolic steroids are also known as anabolic-androgenic
steroids which are synthetic forms of testosterone, the hormone that makes man a man.
"Anabolic" can be referred to as muscle building, and "Androgenic" is responsible for the
control of male sex characteristics. It boosts muscle growth by activating the genes used for
encoding muscle proteins. These regulate anabolic processes such as synthesis of protein in
muscle, formation of blood cells, and the emotional and physical aspects of sexual function.
When abused, body mistakes these steroids for testosterone, causing it to produce less of the
real sex hormone = no sperm.