Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of biological membranes at the molecular level. Biological membranes are continuous structures separating two aqueous phases. They are relatively impermeable to water-soluble compounds, show a characteristic trilaminar appearance when fixed sections are examined by electron microscopy, and contain significant amounts of lipids and proteins. The fact that membranes contain large amounts of lipids, particularly phospholipids, distinguishes them from most other cellular structures and it is not surprising that until recent years, membrane research focused primarily on the lipid components. The refinement of column chromatographic techniques utilizing silicic acid permitted the convenient isolation of large amounts of pure lipids, while thin-layer chromatography allowed their rapid and accurate identification. However, although detailed studies of membrane proteins are still at an early stage, the past few years have seen major advances in this area, both in the identification of specific proteins that are involved in specific membrane functions and in the examination of the structural characteristics of membrane proteins in situ.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
