title: General features of phospholipid phase transitions.
abstract: The phase transitions that take place in hydrated phospholipid dispersions are reviewed in terms of the lyotropic and thermotropic mesomorphism. The thermodynamics of the phase transitions are discussed, including the various contributions to the shifts in phase transition temperatures. Particular attention is given to the phase transitions involving the lamellar or lipid bilayer phase, in view of the relevance to the lipid component of biological membranes. These transitions include especially the chain-melting transition and the transformation to non-lamellar phases.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Abt. Spektroskopie, Göttingen, F.R.G.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D002151:Calorimetry; D004563:Electrochemistry; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry; D008561:Membrane Fusion; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D010743:Phospholipids; D014867:Water