Abstract
Cells, the smallest units of life, are separated from the external environment by cell membranes. Cell membranes serve not only as boundaries but also as sites for signal transduction and material transport and production. Phospholipid molecules as well as membrane proteins play crucial roles in these functions of cell membranes. Therefore, to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell membrane–dependent cellular processes, understanding cellular phospholipid functions is necessary. Here, I introduce the various functions of cellular phospholipids, focusing on the points that are common to most animal cells. I hope this article provides readers with new insights into phospholipid–dependent biological phenomena in animal cells.
