Final answer:
Phospholipids form the basis of cell membranes due to their amphipathic nature, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails leading to the formation of a stable bilayer in aqueous environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Properties of Phospholipids in Cell Membranes
Phospholipids are a crucial component of cell membranes due to their unique ability to form bilayers. Each phospholipid molecule consists of a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails. In aqueous environments, such as inside the body, phospholipids spontaneously arrange themselves into a bilayer, with the hydrophobic tails pointing inward, away from the water, and the hydrophilic heads facing the water. This amphipathic nature allows for the creation of a cell membrane that serves as a barrier to protect the cell's internal environment from the external aqueous environment. At higher concentrations, they form a stable lipid-bilayer structure that is critical for the functionality and integrity of cells.