Theoretical mimicry of biomembranes.
The study of membrane proteins requires a proper consideration of the specific environment provided by the biomembrane. The compositional complexity of this environment poses great challenges to all experimental and theoretical approaches. In this article a rather simple theoretical concept is discussed for its ability to mimic the biomembrane. The biomembrane is approximated by three mimicry solvents forming individual continuum layers of characteristic physical properties. Several specific structural problems are studied with a focus on the biological significance of such an approach. Our results support the general perception that the biomembrane is crucial for correct positioning and embedding of its constituents. The described model provides a semi-quantitative tool of potential interest to many problems in structural membrane biology.
Kar
Parimal
P
Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49331-1295, USA.
Seel
Max
M
Weidemann
Thomas
T
Höfinger
Siegfried
S
D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008566:Membranes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013816:Thermodynamics
D008565:Membrane Proteins