Protein Rigid membrane

El-FFF is a technique devoted to the fractionation of proteins which is reflected in the number of papers applying this technique to protein separations. The possibilities of El-FFF were first demonstrated by Caldwell for the separation of albumin, lysozyme, hemoglobin, and y-globulin in two different buffer solutions (pH 4.5 and 8.0) [35]. Later, the performance of an El-FFF channel with flexible membranes [36], a channel with rigid membranes [256], or a circular channel [260] for the separation of proteins were described. In these studies, human and bovine serum albumin, y-globulin (bovine), cytochrome C (horse heart), lysozyme (egg white) and soluble ribonucleic acid (t-RNA), as well as denaturated proteins, were successfully separated. 

Fluorescence anisotropy or polarization is a technique generally employed in biophysical and bioanalytical applications. Such measurements provide information related to the size and shape of macromolecular structures, including proteins or membranes, as well as the rigidity of various molecular microenvironments. Information can also be gathered on protein-protein (macromolecular) associations and the... 

Many complex systems have been spread on liquid interfaces for a variety of reasons. We begin this chapter with a discussion of the behavior of synthetic polymers at the liquid-air interface. Most of these systems are linear macromolecules however, rigid-rod polymers and more complex structures are of interest for potential optoelectronic applications. Biological macromolecules are spread at the liquid-vapor interface to fabricate sensors and other biomedical devices. In addition, the study of proteins at the air-water interface yields important information on enzymatic recognition, and membrane protein behavior. We touch on other biological systems, namely, phospholipids and cholesterol monolayers. These systems are so widely and routinely studied these days that they were also mentioned in some detail in Chapter IV. The closely related matter of bilayers and vesicles is also briefly addressed. 

Phosphatidylcholine is an important component of cell membranes but cell mem branes are more than simply lipid bilayers Although their composition varies with their source a typical membrane contains about equal amounts of lipid and protein and the amount of cholesterol m the lipid fraction can approximate that of phosphatidylcholine The lipid fraction is responsible for the structure of the membrane Phosphatidyl choline provides the bilayer that is the barrier between what is inside the cell and what IS outside Cholesterol intermingles with the phosphatidylcholine to confer an extra measure of rigidity to the membrane... 

Cell wall Peptidoglycan a rigid framework of polysaccharide cross-linked by short peptide chains. Some bacteria possess a lipopolysaccharide- and protein-rich outer membrane. Mechanical support, shape, and protection against swelling in hypotonic media. The cell wall is a porous nonselective barrier that allows most small molecules to pass. 

The conformation of bovine myelin basic protein (MBP) in AOT/isooctane/water reversed micellar systems was studied by Waks et al. 67). This MBP is an extrinsic water soluble protein which attains an extended conformation in aqueous solution 68 but is more density packed at the membrane surface. The solubilization of MBP in the AOT reversed micelles depends on the water/AOT-ratio w0 68). The maximum of solubilization was observed at a w0-value as low as 5.56. The same value was obtained for another major protein component of myelin, the Folch-Pi proteolipid 69). According to fluorescence emission spectra of MBP, accessibility of the single tryptophane residue seems to be decreased in AOT reversed micelles. From CD-spectra one can conclude that there is a higher conformational rigidity in reversed micelles and a more ordered aqueous environment. 

A state of fluidity and thus of translational mobitity in a membrane may be confined to certain regions of membranes under certain conditions. For example, protein-protein interactions may take place within the plane of the membrane, such that the integral proteins form a rigid matrix—in contrast to the more usual situation, where the hpid acts as the matrix. Such regions of rigid protein matrix can exist side by side in the same membrane with the usual lipid matrix. Gap junctions and tight junctions are clear examples of such side-by-side coexistence of different matrices. 

Vacuoles (70-78) are membrane-bound regions of the cell filled with cell sap. Vacuoles are surrounded by a tonoplast (vacuolar membranes) and are diverse with distinct functions. Most investigators believe that lysosomes and the plant vacuoles are the same. Vacuoles develop turgor pressure and maintain tissue rigidity. They are storage components for various metabolites such as reserve proteins in seeds and malic acid in crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants. Vacuoles canremove toxic secondary products and are the sites of pigment deposition. 

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