Cell Biology
Bilayer
A two-layered structure, particularly the phospholipid bilayer that forms cell membranes. Hydrophilic heads face outward toward water; hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water.
Biological Context
The lipid bilayer is the fundamental structure of all cell membranes. It's selectively permeable—small nonpolar molecules pass through easily; ions and large molecules require transport proteins. The bilayer's fluidity allows membrane proteins to move and membranes to fuse.
Business Application
Organizational bilayers are boundary structures with different faces for inside and outside. Customer service, PR, and sales are outward-facing (hydrophilic); operations and R&D are inward-facing (hydrophobic). The boundary must be permeable to the right things while maintaining separation.