What two components do phospholipids consist of?

Phospholipids are essential molecules in the structure of cell membranes and they consist of two main components: a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. The hydrophilic head is typically composed of a phosphate group, which interacts well with the aqueous environment, while the hydrophobic tails are made up of long fatty acid chains that do not interact with water. This unique structure allows phospholipids to form bilayers, creating cell membranes that effectively separate the interior of the cell from the external environment. This dual characteristic is fundamental to the function of phospholipids in biological systems, particularly in the formation of the lipid bilayer that makes up cell membranes.