Two theories on cells are in dispute today: one considers the membrane as an essential part in terms of compartmentalization and the other proposes that lipid membranes are not necessary and cells can be treated as a colloidal system in which water is polarized by proteins. However, membranes can form different water arrangements around the polar head groups and hydrocarbon chains. These arrangements can extend a few water molecule layers into the cytoplasm. Thus, the consideration of water as part of the membrane structure may be an approach to reconcile both theories considering the role of the membrane in cell function. In this view, the role of H-bonding networks in the propagation of events between membrane and cytoplasm is considered.