ISSN:
1432-1017
Keywords:
Key words Lipid bilayer
;
Softness
;
Swelling
;
Cholesterol
;
Short-chain lipid
;
Bola lipid
;
Small-angle neutron scattering
;
Calorimetry
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The effect of the incorporation of small amounts (∼1 mole%) of amphiphilic solutes, such as cholesterol, a short-chain lipid (DC10PC), and a bola lipid, into multilamellar DMPC bilayers is studied by small-angle neutron scattering and differential-scanning calorimetry. The anomalous swelling behavior observed in the transition region of pure DMPC bilayers is interpreted as an indication of bilayer softening and thermally reduced bending rigidity. Small amounts of the solutes are found to maintain or even enhance the bilayer softness. In the case of cholesterol, a systematic study shows that the well-known rigidification effect is observed only for cholesterol concentrations above 3–4 mole%. The results are discussed in relation to the physical properties of internal cell membranes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002490050018
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