An Introduction to Biological Membranes: Composition, Structure and Function

Introduction to Biological Membranes: Composition, Structure and Function, Second Edition is a greatly expanded revision of the first edition that integrates many aspects of complex biological membrane functions with their composition and structure. A single membrane is composed of hundreds of proteins and thousands of lipids, all in constant flux. Every aspect of membrane structural studies involves parameters that are very small and fast.

Both size and time ranges are so vast that multiple instrumentations must be employed, often simultaneously. As a result, a variety of highly specialized and esoteric biochemical and biophysical methodologies are often utilized. This book addresses the salient features of membranes at the molecular level, offering cohesive, foundational information for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, biochemists, and membranologists who seek a broad overview of membrane science.

Significantly expanded coverage on function, composition, and structure Brings together complex aspects of membrane research in a universally understandable mannerFeatures profiles of membrane pioneers detailing how contemporary studies originatedIncludes a timeline of important discoveries related to membrane science

1. Introduction to Biological Membranes 2. Membrane History 3. Water and the Hydrophobic Effect 4. Membrane Lipids: Fatty Acids 5. Membrane Polar Lipids 6. Membrane Proteins 7. Membrane Sugars 8. From Lipid Bilayers to Lipid Rafts 9. Basic Membrane Properties of the Fluid Mosaic Model 10. Lipid Membrane Properties 11. Long-Range Membrane Properties 12. Membrane Isolation Methods 13. Membrane Reconstitution 14. Membrane Biogenesis: Fatty Acids 15. Membrane Biogenesis: Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Plasmalogens, and Cholesterol 16. Membrane Biogenesis: Proteins 17. Moving Components Through the Cell: Membrane Trafficking 18. Membrane-Associated Processes 19. Membrane Transport 20. Bioactive Lipids 21. Lipid-Soluble Vitamins 22. Membrane-Associated Diseases 23. Membranes and Human Health 24. Cell Death, Apoptosis 25. Chronology of Membrane Studies