ABSTRACT
The membrane consists of phospholipid polar heads, glycolipids, and integral proteins organized toward the periphery of the membrane, and the nonpolar tails and cholesterol directed inward. The rest of the membrane is interspersed with transmembrane channel proteins and other intrinsic proteins. The fluidity of the membrane is due to the presence of cholesterol and integral proteins. The phospholipid polar groups and nonpolar tails are derived from triglycerides. Figure 10.2 illustrates the structure of a triglyceride, detailing the positions of the polar environment contributed by the carboxyl moieties, relative to the nonpolar saturated carbon chains.
