Calculating surfactant tail volume of a lipid

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the surfactant tail volume (v) in the context of the packing parameter for lipids. The participant identifies that while the optimal surface area of the head (a) is understood, the base area (b) remains unclear. The participant notes that the critical chain length (l) cancels out in the packing parameter equation, indicating that v is independent of l. This clarification is crucial for accurately determining the shape arrangement of lipids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lipid structures and surfactant properties
  • Familiarity with packing parameter equations in biochemistry
  • Knowledge of critical chain length (l) in lipid analysis
  • Basic grasp of surface area concepts in molecular geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the packing parameter equation in lipid chemistry
  • Explore the role of surfactant tail volume in lipid bilayer formation
  • Investigate the relationship between critical chain length and lipid behavior
  • Study molecular geometry principles related to surface area calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in biochemistry, particularly those studying lipid structures and surfactant properties, will benefit from this discussion.

rwooduk
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This is the general equation for the packing parameter to find out what shape the lipids arrange into:

T0aqwct.jpg


And this is what we have been given in class:

http://i.imgur.com/iGsbXHi.jpg



I'm struggling with the surfactant tail volume, v term. I understand the a is the optimal surface area of the head, but what is b?

I've looked everywhere and no where else has the b. Also if the v term has an l (critical chain length) in it then when inserted into the packing parameter equation the l's cancel and it's no longer dependent on l.

If someone could help it would be really appreciated as the lecturer has gone AWOL and doesn't reply to emails so I'm stuck.
 
Update: b is the base area
 

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