title: On the use of regular solution theory as a theoretical frame for the analysis of membrane phenomena.
abstract: The structural heterogeneity of the phospholipid membrane causes difficulties in the analysis of membrane functions. These difficulties can be overcome by using probes which dissolve preferentially into one of the regions, provided that a general theory correlating probe behaviour to membrane structure exists. The use of regular solution theory (RST) as a theoretical frame for membrane analysis is examined below, and it is concluded that some, but not all, of the relations furnished by the theory are useful for membrane analysis. Using these relations, it is concluded that the hydrophobic region of the membrane has a stabilizing effect. The polar region is less stable and changes faster than the hydrophobic region. Diffusion rates are smaller in the hydrophobic region.
authors.affiliation: National Physical Laboratory of Israel, Hebrew University Campus, Jerusalem.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Katz
mesh_terms: D004058:Diffusion; D004134:Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine / Q000378:metabolism; D008566:Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012996:Solutions; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D004134:Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine