The Dynamics of Membrane Structure

The membranes of living organisms are involved in many aspects of the life, growth and development of all cells. The predominant structural elements of these membranes are lipids and proteins and the basic strucvture of these molecules has been reviewed. The physical properties of the lipid constituents particularly their behavior in aqueous systems has led to the concepts of thermotropic and lyotropic mesomorphism; the interaction between different types of lipid molecules modulate this behavior. Interaction of phospholipids in aqueous systems with cholesterol, ions and drugs have been examined in this context. In addition a variety of model lipid-protein systems have been investigated and the implications of interactions between lipids and different proteins in biological membranes has been evaluated. This leads to a detailed consideration of the way lipids and proteins ae organized in cell membranes and contains an appraisal of the evidence supporting contemporary views of membrane structure. Particular attention has been devoted to the question of how mobile the components are within the structure. Particular attention has been devoted to the question of how mobile the components are within the structure. Finally the biosynthesis, turnover and modulation of the properties of interacting membrane constituents is critically reviewed and possible ways of controlling the behavior of cells and organisms by altering the structural parameters of different membranes has been considered.