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phospholipid

/ˌfɑsfəˈlɪpɪd/ /ˌfɒsfəˈlɪpɪd/

Meanings
noun
Any lipid, such as lecithin or cephalin, consisting of a diglyceride combined with a phosphate group and a simple organic molecule such as choline or ethanolamine; they are important constituents of biological membranes.

Examples :

"The phospholipid is a key building block of the cell membrane, forming a barrier that protects the inside of the cell. "
biochemistry biology compound substance chemistry physiology medicine organism structure

Related Words

Illustration building

building noun

/ˈbɪl.dɪŋ/

The act or process by which something is built; construction.

"The building of the bridge will be completed in a couple of weeks."

Illustration important

important adjective

/ɪmˈpɔːtənt/ /ɪmˈpɔɹtənt/

Having relevant and crucial value.

"It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience."

Illustration cephalin

cephalin noun

/ˈkɛf.ə.lɪn/

A phospholipid found particularly in the cells of nervous tissue; it is also the primary phospholipid in bacteria.

"Example Sentence: "Because cephalin is a major phospholipid in nerve cells, researchers are studying its role in brain health." "

Illustration combined

combined noun

/kəmˈbaɪnd/

An event in alpine skiing which combines runs on a downhill skiing course and a slalom course, for individual skiers.

"The combined at the Winter Olympics tests a skier's all-around skill, demanding both speed and technical agility. "

Illustration constituents

constituents noun

/kənˈstɪtʃuənts/ /kənˈstɪtʃuəns/

A part, or component of a whole

"The ingredients, like flour and sugar, are the main constituents of the cake batter. "

Illustration phosphate

phosphate noun

/ˈfɒsfeɪt/ /ˈfɑsfeɪt/

Any salt or ester of phosphoric acid.

"Plants need phosphate in the soil to grow strong roots. "

Illustration biological

biological noun

/ˌbaɪə(ʊ)ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/ /ˌbaɪəˈlɑdʒɪkəl/

A biological product.

"The school's science fair featured several different biological specimens. "

Illustration consisting

consisting verb

/kənˈsɪstɪŋ/

To be.

"The project consists of three main parts. "

Illustration lecithin

lecithin noun

/ˈlɛs.ə.θɪn/

The principal phospholipid in animals; it is particularly abundant in egg yolks, and is extracted commercially from soy. It is a major constituent of cell membranes, and is commonly used as a food additive (as an emulsifier).

"Many chocolate bars contain lecithin to help blend the ingredients smoothly. "

Illustration membrane

membrane noun

/ˈmembɹeɪn/

A flexible enclosing or separating tissue forming a plane or film and separating two environments (usually in a plant or animal).

"The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell. "

Illustration membranes

membranes noun

/ˈmɛmˌbɹeɪnz/ /ˈmɛmˌbɹeɪns/

A flexible enclosing or separating tissue forming a plane or film and separating two environments (usually in a plant or animal).

"The membranes of our cells allow nutrients in and waste products out. "

Illustration molecule

molecule noun

/ˈmɒləkjuːl/ /ˈmɑləkjul/

The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

"Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom."