LIPID BILAYER Meaning and
Definition
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A lipid bilayer refers to a structural arrangement of lipids that forms the basis of cell membranes. It consists of two layers of lipid molecules aligned in a parallel manner, with their hydrophobic (water-avoiding) tails oriented towards each other and their hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads facing the surrounding aqueous environment. The primary constituents of a lipid bilayer are phospholipids, which have a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.
The lipid bilayer structure is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of cell membranes. It serves as a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the outside surroundings, regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The hydrophobic interior of the bilayer restricts the movement of polar substances, such as ions and water-soluble molecules, while enabling the diffusion of non-polar molecules and small gases.
Besides phospholipids, lipid bilayers may also contain other lipid molecules, such as cholesterol and glycolipids, which can influence the fluidity and stability of the membrane. Cholesterol, for instance, acts as a buffer by modulating the membrane's fluidity, while glycolipids play crucial roles in cell recognition and communication.
Overall, the lipid bilayer is a fundamental structural component of cell membranes and provides the necessary selective permeability required for the functioning of biological membranes in maintaining cellular homeostasis and facilitating vital cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for LIPID BILAYER
- kipid bilayer
- pipid bilayer
- oipid bilayer
- lupid bilayer
- ljpid bilayer
- lkpid bilayer
- lopid bilayer
- l9pid bilayer
- l8pid bilayer
- lioid bilayer
- lilid bilayer
- li-id bilayer
- li0id bilayer
- lipud bilayer
- lipjd bilayer
- lipkd bilayer
- lipod bilayer
- lip9d bilayer
- lip8d bilayer
- lipis bilayer
Etymology of LIPID BILAYER
The word "lipid" can be traced back to the Greek word "lipos", which means "fat". The term "lipid" was coined in the early 20th century to describe a class of molecules found in living organisms that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents such as alcohol or ether.
The term "bilayer" comes from the combination of the Latin word "bi", meaning "two", and the Old English word "laier", which means "a sheet of material". It refers to the arrangement of lipids in a sheet-like structure consisting of two layers.
Therefore, the term "lipid bilayer" describes the structure formed by a double layer of lipid molecules, with their hydrophilic (water-loving) heads facing outward and their hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails facing inward.
