Biophysical studies of membrane proteins/peptides. Interaction with ...
Biophysical studies of membrane proteins/peptides. Interaction with ...
Biophysical studies of membrane proteins/peptides. Interaction with ...
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INTRODUCTION: BIOMEMBRANES<br />
however much more restricted as discussed in 1.3. Lateral dynamics in the gel phase is<br />
approximately 100 times slower (Mouritsen, 2005). The speed <strong>of</strong> integral <strong>membrane</strong><br />
<strong>proteins</strong> is typically 100 times smaller than the speed <strong>of</strong> lipid molecules.<br />
Figure I.12 – The Singer-Nicolson model <strong>of</strong> fluid mosaic (Taken from Singer and Nicolson, 1972)<br />
However, in bio<strong>membrane</strong>s, diffusion <strong>of</strong> lipids and <strong>proteins</strong> is hindered by the<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> compartmentalisations <strong>of</strong> the <strong>membrane</strong> in the form <strong>of</strong> domains.<br />
Additionally a fraction <strong>of</strong> the <strong>membrane</strong> <strong>proteins</strong> is completely immobile due to<br />
interaction <strong>with</strong> the cytoskeleton network. Generally the average diffusion coefficient <strong>of</strong><br />
a protein in the plasma <strong>membrane</strong> <strong>of</strong> intact cells is about 10-30 times smaller than the<br />
one observed in pure lipid liposomes (Mouritsen, 2005). The Singer-Nicolson model is<br />
therefore a simplistic description <strong>of</strong> the complex interactions and dynamics existent in<br />
bio<strong>membrane</strong>s.<br />
1.10. Membrane Model Systems<br />
Cellular <strong>membrane</strong>s are <strong>of</strong>ten too intricate for their properties to be fully resolved as<br />
too many variables are present. A valuable alternative is the use <strong>of</strong> <strong>membrane</strong> model<br />
systems. Model systems grant us a simplified basis for the study <strong>of</strong> bilayer structure and<br />
properties, while at the same time maintaining all the fundamental properties <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bio<strong>membrane</strong>.<br />
Liposomes are the most popular <strong>of</strong> the <strong>membrane</strong> model systems. Preparation is<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten very simple, requiring solubilization <strong>of</strong> lipids in organic solvents, followed by<br />
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