Phospholipids

Phospholipids consist of a group of complex lipids with a phosphate group. Furthermore, phospholipids are naturally occurring surfactants. Thanks to surfactants, immiscible liquids such as oil and water can be finely mixed. Phospholipids owe this property to their structure. Phospholipids consist of water-loving (hydrophilic) and water-repellent (hydrophobic) components and are highly soluble (amphiphilic) in both polar and non-polar solvents. Phospholipids are found in all animal and plant cells. They build up lipid bilayers in many biomembranes and are intracellular signalling molecules. Cell membranes consist to a large extent of phospholipids, therefore phospholipids belong to the membrane lipids. Depending on the amount and structure of phospholipids, they show different properties. Phospholipids are very complex. They can be divided into phosphoglycerides and sphingomyelins. Phosphatidyl choline lecithin, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelins are among the most common phospholipids in cell membranes. Their special chemical properties enable them to separate the cell space from the surrounding medium. In addition, the non-polar parts of the phospholipids help to promote the fluidity, the flow property, of the membrane. This is very important for the cells so that, for example, toxins can be flushed out or other important substances can be transported to their destination. Phospholipids protect the cells by preventing free radicals from entering weakened cells

Basically, it can be said that a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids make the phospholipid more valuable. Phospholipids fulfil different important tasks in the cells and thus in our body

Phospholipids have been in the focus of research for years, among others in cancer research