Some Biological Implications of Mesophases

The biological importance of mesh and other intermediate mesophase structures goes far beyond the finer details of phase studies. Most studies of biological membranes have historically focused on membrane proteins and their influence on biological function. Until relatively recently, that emphasis has been justified by the 

The suspicion that biological membrane activity may be controlled by lipids in addition to the conventional protein-governed mechanisms is beginning to be confirmed. That progress in understanding creates a new motivation for the continuation of careful experimental and theoretical study of mesophases in amphiphilic systems. The full class picture of possible mesophases and stmctures available for self-assembly processes remains to be taken. Further work is required to clarify the balance between protein and lipid activities as the principal functional controls for biological systems. The classic picture of lipids as passive bricks in the membrane wall, supporting the real biomachinery in the form of proteins and 

---