What preserves the structural integrity of phospholipid bilayers?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions between nearby phospholipids are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of phospholipid bilayers. The hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids cluster together in the interior of the bilayer, while the hydrophilic heads face outward towards the aqueous environment. These interactions help to maintain the bilayer's shape and prevent it from breaking apart. Peptide bonds do not form between the phosphate groups of the phospholipids, and sugars do not covalently cross-link with the cell membrane. Van der Waals interactions do play a role in maintaining the structural integrity of the bilayer, but they are not specifically between the glycerol molecule and fatty acids of a single phospholipid.

What Preserves the Structural Integrity of Phospholipid Bilayers