Phospholipid Structure: Diagram & Explanation | Hydrophilic Head & Hydrophobic Tails

A phospholipid is composed of a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and two hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails. The structure of a phospholipid can be described as follows:

Diagram:

        - Hydrophilic Head - 
            (charged or polar group) 
             (such as phosphate) 
                   | 
                   | 
                   | 
- Hydrophobic Tail -  - Hydrophobic Tail - 
  (composed of two fatty acid chains) 
        (nonpolar, hydrocarbon chains) 

Description:

The hydrophilic head of a phospholipid consists of a charged or polar group, such as a phosphate group. This head is attracted to water molecules and is therefore soluble in water.

The hydrophobic tails, on the other hand, are composed of two fatty acid chains. These chains are nonpolar and consist mainly of hydrocarbon molecules. Due to their nonpolar nature, the hydrophobic tails repel water and are therefore insoluble in water.

The structure of a phospholipid can be visualized as a "head and tails" arrangement. The hydrophilic head is positioned at one end, while the two hydrophobic tails extend out from the other end. This arrangement forms the basic structure of a phospholipid molecule.