Membrane Biophysics

Keywords

Brownian motion; Cell membrane; Diffusion; Membrane ion-channels; Membrane lipids; Membrane properties; Membrane transport

Abstract

Membranes are the unique biological structures maintaining the intra- and extracellular partition. In unicellular organisms they define the living interior from the nonliving exterior. In case of eukaryotes, membranes also help in separation of different intracellular milieus. Membranes also play roles as the site of active exchange of information between intra- and extracellular environments in various ways. Here in this chapter, we first visit the structural aspects of biological membranes. Then, we discuss in details the various types of transport mechanisms that occur across membranes. We also describe the different types of ion channels and pumps with special emphasis of Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPases. We have paid special attention about diseases that are associated with dysfunction of ion channels and pumps. This chapter is designed for the readers to build a sound background on the functioning of biological membranes from the structural perspectives.

Publication Date

9-7-2017

Publication Title

Introduction to Biomolecular Structure and Biophysics: Basics of Biophysics

Number of Pages

183-204

Document Type

Article; Book Chapter

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4968-2_7

Socpus ID

85035358720 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85035358720

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