Q13.20 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What intermolecular forces stabilize a lipid bilayer?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In a lipid bilayer, the charged end of the phospholipids is in the exterior  stabilizes an ion-dipole interaction with water and the hydrocarbon tail in the interior stabilizes through dispersion forces.

Step 1: Lipid bilayer in the cell membrane

The double layer of lipid molecules is the main constituent of the cell membrane. Three major membrane lipid molecules are phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol.

Step 2: Stabilising lipid bilayer

In exposition to water, the phospholipids forms a bilayer where the hydrophilic head interacts with water through ion-dipole and hydrogen-bonding and the hydrophobic tail assembles inside through dispersion forces.