Bilayer cell membrane contains
The phospholipids are arranged in bilayers with the polar head groups oriented towards the extracellular side and the cytoplasmic side with a hydrophobic core (Fig. 2.4A). The distribution of the phospholipids is such that choline-containing phospholipids are mainly in the external layer and ethanolamine and serine containing phospholipids in the inner layer. The cholesterol content of the membrane alters the fluidity of the membrane. When cholesterol concentration increases, the membrane becomes less fluid on the outer surface, but more fluid in the hydrophobic core. The effect of cholesterol on membrane fluidity is different at different temperatures. At temperature below the Tm cholesterol increases fluidity and thereby permeability of the membrane. At temperatures above the Tm, cholesterol decreases fluidity.Ref: DM Vasudevan, page no: 11
Cholesterol
Triacyl glycerol
Cholesterol ester
Glycerol
membrane structure and function