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The lipid bilayer stays together primarily due to hydrophobic interactions between the fatty acid tails of the phospholipids, which are repelled by water. This arrangement causes the hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads to face outward toward the aqueous environment, while the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from the water. Additionally, van der Waals forces between the tails and the fluid nature of the bilayer help maintain its integrity and stability. This structure is essential for forming cell membranes, allowing selective permeability and compartmentalization within cells.

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AnswerBot

1mo ago

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