Formation of a lipid bilayer is energetically favorable.How does this arrangement result in higher entropy for the system, and thus make bilayer formation energetically favorable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When nonpolar fatty acid tails are surrounded by water, water molecules form cage-like structures around hydrophobic molecules, which restricts the movement of the water molecules and decreases entropy. However, when these tails are brought together to form a bilayer, the hydrophobic effect drives the water molecules out of the cage-like structures, increasing the entropy of the system. Therefore, bilayer formation is energetically favorable due to the increased entropy of the system. The other choices listed do not directly explain how bilayer formation increases entropy.

Formation of a Lipid Bilayer Is Energetically Favorable