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Phospholipids consist of a glycerol unit joined to 2 fatty acid residues and a phosphate group, in this case attached to lecithin. The phosphate group can ionise, so it is described as the hydophilic end of the molecule, whereas the fatty acid chains are hydrophobic. This explains the orientation of the phospholipid molecules in the bilayer which makes up the cell or plasma membrane. Mouse and movement options Colours explained |