title: Transport enhancement and the activity of insulin.
abstract: The transport properties of insulin have been analysed with respect to the Brewer membrane model. Polar molecules are transported into the cell through their association with cations. The abilities of cations and their associated polar molecules to enter the cell membrane depend upon the activity of the cation and the quantum state of multivalent membrane bonds, principally the P = O located in the head of phospholipids. The active cation K forms an association with glucose and can enter the membrane when the bonds are in the ground state. Less active cations, such as Na, Ca and Mg, form larger and more complex associations but can only enter the membrane when the bonds are in an excited state. Insulin's effect on the transport of polar molecules is shown to correspond with its effect on the transport of cations. A possible model for insulin action on the cell membrane is explained.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Theoretical Biology, Theresa, New York 13691.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Neulieb
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Neulieb
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D007328:Insulin / Q000502:physiology*; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D008051:Lipid Bilayers