What force(s) stabilize(s) the lipid bilayers?
A) van der Waals interactions
B) electrostatic and hydrogen bonding between the polar heads and surrounding water
C) covalent bonds between the lipid tails
D) covalent bonds between the lipids and membrane proteins
E) A and B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Van der Waals interactions between the hydrophobic tails and the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding between the polar heads and surrounding water stabilize the lipid bilayer. Neither covalent bonds between the lipid tails nor covalent bonds between the lipids and membrane proteins play a significant role in stabilizing the lipid bilayer.

What Force(s) Stabilize(s) the Lipid Bilayers