Abstract
The head group conformation of didodecylphosphate (DDP) in bilayer vesicles of this amphiphilic molecule has been analyzed using 31P-NMR and an order-parameter approach. The results show that the long axis of the amphiphile bisects both the (C)OPO(C) and OPO angle. The two nonesterified oxygens penetrate into the water surrounding the vesicle and are therefore readily accessible to interactions with cations or the formation of hydrogen bonds. The effect of the conformation of the head group on complexation with cations is discussed in terms of the formation of so-called “cis” (intrabilayer) and “trans” (interbilayer) cation/head group complexes. The formation of this “trans” complex constitutes a key event in the cation-induced fusion of membranes. In addition, the results show that the long axis of the DDP molecule performs a wobble within a cone, which makes an angle of ca. 55° with the bilayer normal.
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