Discuss how the amphipathic structure of a phospholipid allows it to spontaneously form lipid bilayers.

Expert Solution

lipids molecules forming lipid bilayer are phospholipids and amphipathic in nature. They are consists of hydrophillic head and hydrophobic tail. when lipid molecules get dissolved in water, the hydrophillic group can get easily soluble in water throug electrostatic interactions or by formation of hydrogen bonds. On the other hand the hydrophobic tail region is not capable of interacting with water as their atoms are not charged and nonpolar. However, in water they help tp reorgnize the surrounding water molecules to take a cage like structure which surround the hydrophobic region of lipid molecule. As this special structure is more organized in shape than water, it will increase free energy production. Thus lipid molecules can readily assemble in a formation where they aggregate in such a way that the hydrophobic tail remains burried in the interior side and the hydrophillic head remains outside facing water.

gladiator answered 2 years ago

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