title: Physical probes of biological membranes in studies of the muscular dystrophies.
abstract: This review deals with recent physical approaches to the study of biomembranes. First, current concepts of the structure and dynamic organization of biological membranes are considered. The theoretical basis and practical application of various physical probe techniques are then discussed with specific reference to their usefulness in studies of these membranes. Particular emphasis is given to electron spin resonance and fluorescence techniques and to the potential difficulties encountered in their use and interpretation. Finally, reports applying these physical probes to various aspects of the human muscular dystrophies are reviewed and our current information in this area is summarized.
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D002648:Child; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane; D005454:Fluorescence Polarization; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008954:Models, Biological; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000235:genetics*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013696:Temperature; D013814:Thermal Conductivity
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008565:Membrane Proteins