Calculate the capacitance of a lipid vesicle 1 uM in diamete

Calculate the capacitance of a lipid vesicle, 1 uM in diameter. Show assumptions

Solution

Approximately there are 5*10⁶ lipid molecule in 1 m *1 m area

The capacitance of a lipid vescicle can be written as C={E₀*A}/d, ie ={(8.85*10^-2F/m)*4*3.14*(0.5*10^-6m)}²/8*10^-9m

=0.35*10^-11F,=3.5pF

Here

E(read as epsilon )

radius is 1/2 of diameter so 0.5m

d= Charge separation of lipid molecules in a bilayered structure(around 8 nm).

Vescicle taken as a sphere therefore area is 4(pi)r²

(in equation * indicates multiplication, )