Popis: |
In their efforts to throw light on the complex phenomena occurring in living cells, scientists are always looking for simplified experimental systems with controlled parameters and a limited number of variables; however, one of the factors limiting this approach is the extent to which the selected experimental model reflects “reality”. The study of the movement of molecules and ions across cell membranes has greatly benefited from the forced formation of a simplified membrane consisting of various lipids that can incorporate enzymatic systems and transmembrane channel proteins. It has long been known that, when phospholipids come into contact with water, they spontaneously form structures resembling cell membranes, even in the presence of proteins. |