Why are fatty acids important to the cell membrane?

Fatty acids are vital to the cell membrane as they function as structural components of phospholipids, which are responsible for forming and protecting cell membranes. Fatty acids have effects on membrane organelles which play roles in regulating metabolism, growth, and the cell cycles of the majority of cell types. Specifically, fatty acids modulate the components of membranes such as the phospholipids, gangliosides, and sphingolipids. These lipids, along with cholesterol, assemble and organize themselves in cell and organelle membranes, to form gel and fluid domains within lipid bilayer. Additionally, fatty acids function as storage for cells to provide metabolic energy for use later on. This is especially important for when glucose is scarce in the body, and cells can metabolize fatty acids through beta-oxidation to produce ATP. They also affect functions of membrane-bound enzymes/receptors. For example, FFAR1 receptors are activated by long-chain fatty acids and play a role in the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.