Lipídhártya

Lipídhártya, often translated as lipid bilayer or fatty layer, refers to the fundamental structure of cell membranes. It is a two-layered arrangement of phospholipid molecules in aqueous environments. Each phospholipid molecule has a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. In a lipídhártya, these molecules orient themselves so that the hydrophilic heads face outwards towards the aqueous cytoplasm and the extracellular fluid, while the hydrophobic tails face inwards, away from the water, forming a barrier.

This structure is crucial for cellular integrity and function. The lipídhártya acts as a selectively permeable barrier, controlling the passage of substances into and out of the cell. Embedded within this lipid framework are various proteins, which perform a multitude of roles, including transport of molecules, signal transduction, and cell recognition. The fluidity of the lipídhártya, due to the movement of phospholipids and associated proteins, is also essential for many cellular processes like cell division and membrane fusion. In essence, the lipídhártya is the dynamic and essential foundation of all biological membranes.