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A model for the structure of supported bilayer lipid membranes (s-BLM) is assumed based on the measurement of specific capacitance, electrostriction and surface potential of the s-BLM formed on the tip of freshly cut Teflon or polymer coated stainless steel wire and of the electrolyte-metal interface, depending on the frequency of AC voltage. We have shown that s-BLM does not represent a continuous bilayer on a metal support. Its structure is like that of a continuous monolayer, three layers, or in certain case, also like that of a bilayer interrupted by 'islands' of metal support. The former ones are characterized by a smaller resistance in comparison with a lipid bilayer and with specific capacitance 20-50 times higher than that of conventional, free standing BLM. The assumed model allows us to understand the nature of a number of effects observed on s-BLM, particularly the behavior of current fluctuations. The nature of current fluctuations can be easily explained by fluctuations of the size of the 'islands' both towards increase and/or decrease of their diameter due to removal and/or appearance of new lipid molecules on a metal support.

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