Phosopholipids in Salty solutions

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the areal charge density and surface potential of a phospholipid bilayer membrane composed of 90% uncharged lipids and 10% singly charged acid lipids in a 100mM NaCl solution at 25 degrees Celsius. The surface area per lipid head group is specified as 68 Angstroms. Participants emphasize the need to model the membrane accurately, with suggestions to consider concentric spheres for potential calculations. Key equations related to area density and electric fields are referenced, highlighting the importance of understanding charge distribution in the membrane.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phospholipid bilayer structure
  • Familiarity with electrostatics, particularly electric fields and potentials
  • Knowledge of surface charge density calculations
  • Basic principles of aqueous solutions and ionic concentrations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of areal charge density in lipid membranes
  • Study the modeling of membranes as concentric spheres for potential analysis
  • Explore the relationship between ionic strength and surface potential in biological membranes
  • Learn about the effects of salt concentration on membrane properties
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Students and researchers in biophysics, biochemistry, and membrane biology, particularly those focused on membrane dynamics and electrochemical properties.

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Homework Statement


Consider a phospholipid bilayer membrane consisting of a mixture of 90% uncharged lipid and 10% singly charged acid lipid. Assume 68 Angstroms surface area per lipid head groups, and assume further that the charged lipids are uniformly distributed and immobile. The membrane is in contact with an aqueous solution of NaCl at 25 degrees celsius. The salt concentration is 100mM.

a.) Calculate the areal charge density of the membrane

b.) Calculate the surface potential of the membrane


Homework Equations


area density = derivative of charge?
Electric field and potential equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I am totally stuck and have no idea where to begin. I was first wondering what to model the membrane as? Should I model the bilayer as concentric spheres? I believe if I use concentric spheres, I can find the potential. I am unsure about the charge density; I don't quite understand how to use percentage of heads that are charged/not for this.
 
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Anyone know where to start?
 

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