How does a cell stay in shape when outside water?

Question

I'm doing quite a bit of research on abiogenesis, and this question really bugs me: The cell membraine is made of phospholipids, the head's of which as hydrophilic, and the tails of which are hydrophobic, causing them to spontaneously form micelles because the tails are avoiding water and the heads are in water, thus forming vesicles. But if you don't have water, what is it that keeps the lipids in the right place?

Thanks

Answer 1

that's not exactly true....they don't form micelles...micelles have heads which are hydrophillic facing the outside(where the water is) then the tails....then another layer of tails...and another layer of heads. It's a Bi-layer two layes of lipids facing tail to tail. A micelle is just 1 layer of lipids which essentially store lipid-like molecules inside them. Now..as for your question...if you don't have water...what keeps the lipids in place...1) if you don't have water on the outside..the water on teh inside puts enough force on teh cell to maintain its shape. 2) there are several proteins as well as other molecules such as cholesterol that hold the lipid layer intact. 3) if cells are left wihout water (inside and out) they shrivel up and die...almost like a baloon with no air in it.