X-rays destroy the lamellar structure of model membranes.
Lipid membranes undergo a dramatic lamellar-to-non-lamellar phase transformation upon being irradiated with X-rays. The structure change was evidenced by chemical breakdown of the lipid and by a change in the X-ray diffraction properties of the model membrane indicating complete disruption of lamellar stacking. Considering the importance of X-ray diffraction as a structure probe the problem of radiation damage to biological materials must be duly recognized. Because X-ray damage has been shown to be free radical-mediated these results suggest a means by which free radicals accumulating in cells during aging might compromise membrane integrity and contribute to cell death.
Cheng
A C
AC
Department of Chemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1173.
Hogan
J L
JL
Caffrey
M
M
D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines