Dipolar ions phospholipids

The polar lipid headgroup zone contains the phospholipid and steroid phosphorus-nitrogen, carbonyl, hydroxyl and hydration water moieties which combine to establish a substantial dipolar potential. This positive potential is of a magnitude of several hundred millivolts across the membrane headgroup zone. In the membrane hydrocarbon interior, the electrostatic field must be at least 450 to 750 mV (14) and controls ion current across the interior as we 1 1 as possibly influencing selective ion adsorption to the membrane surface. 

---