KE7001 Biochemistry Lectures

Lipids, membranes, channels and pumps

Reading material: Stryer, Chapter 12 -13

Abstract: Cells are bounded by, and further compartmentalized by, sheet-like membranes composed of lipids and proteins. Many biological processes thus either occur at or within membranes, or are dependent on the transport of some substance across them. Examples are the transport of nutrients or of the proteins themselves, signal transduction, and energy-generating processes such as oxidative phosphorylation.

Key concepts:
Lipid structure
Membrane structure, properties
Micelles (detergents)
Bilayers
Vesicles
Membrane protein structure and properties
Membrane fluidity, asymmetry
Diffusion vs. passive transport via pores & channels
Active transport (pumps)
Symport, antiport

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