The Biology Project: Cell Biology

The Biology Project > Cell Biology > Cell Membranes > Problem Set

Cell Membranes Problem Set

Problem 10: Membrane stability

The major driving force for the formation of a lipid bilayer is _____; once formed the membrane is further stabilized by ________.

A. electrostatic attractions between phospholipid head groups; hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds
B.

hydrophobic forces on the phospholipid fatty acid carbon chains; hydrogen bonds, electrostatic attractions, van der Waals contacts.

Yes, hydrophobic forces resulting from the effects on water force the lipids into a bilayer. Once the bilayer forms, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic attractions and van der Waals contacts further stabilize the membrane.

C. repulsion between negative charges of phospholipid fatty acids; hydrogen bonds and van der Waals contacts
D. van der Waals contacts between phosphopipid charged groups; hydrophobic forces, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attractions
E. electrostatic attractions, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals contacts; covalent bonds

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