Membrane Heterogeneity: Manifestation of a Curvature-Induced Microemulsion

Details Membrane Heterogeneity: Manifestation of a Curvature-Induced Microemulsion Membrane Heterogeneity: Manifestation of a Curvature-Induced Microemulsion

2011-11-09

arxiv.org/abs/1111.2350v2

Physical Review E 85 031902 (2012)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

4 pages

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.85.031902

To explain the appearance of heterogeneities in the plasma membrane, I propose a hypothesis which begins with the observation that fluctuations in the membrane curvature are coupled to the difference between compositions in one leaf and the other. Because of this coupling, the most easily excited fluctuations can occur at non-zero wavenumbers. When the coupling is sufficiently strong, it is well-known that it leads to microphase separation and modulated phases. I note that when the coupling is less strong, the tendency towards modulation remains manifest in a liquid phase that exhibits transient structure of a characteristic size; that is, it is a microemulsion. The characteristic size of the fluctuating domains is estimated to be on the order of 100 nm, and experiments to verify this hypothesis are proposed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Membrane Heterogeneity: Manifestation of a Curvature-Induced Microemulsion does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Membrane Heterogeneity: Manifestation of a Curvature-Induced Microemulsion, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Membrane Heterogeneity: Manifestation of a Curvature-Induced Microemulsion will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-727373