Biomembranes provide the interface between cells and their surroundings. More than just protective barriers, they are sophisticated, dynamic machines that perform a diverse array of functions, including selective transport, localization, communication, recognition and synthesis of complex materials. It is also widely accepted that lateral heterogeneity in the plasma membrane (PM) plays a role in signaling, transport, and the pathogenesis of some viruses and bacteria. It is believed that the separated lipid regions have different physical properties from the surrounding lipids and are believed to be the basis for functional lipid domains (“rafts”) in cells. So-called rafts are implicated in a wide range of cellular functions, including signal transduction, drug uptake and interactions with pathogens. Using small angle neutron scattering and molecular labeling we have studied nanoscopic lipid rafts in model membrane systems and recently, in the Gram-positive bacterium <i>Bacillus subtilis.</i><i> </i>

Biomembrane structure using neutron scattering and molecular labeling

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.