Plant Membranes

A biophysical approach to structure, development and senescence

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Biophysics, Botany
Cover of the book Plant Membranes by Y.Y. Leshem, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Y.Y. Leshem ISBN: 9789401726832
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: March 9, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Y.Y. Leshem
ISBN: 9789401726832
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: March 9, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

The plasma membrane is at once the window through which the cell senses the environment and the portal through which the environment influences the structure and activities of the cell. Its importance in cellular physiology can thus hardly be overestimated, since constant flow of materials between cell and environment is essential to the well-being of any biological system. The nature of the materials mov­ ing into the cell is also critical, since some substances are required for maintenance and growth, while others, because of their toxicity, must either be rigorously excluded or permitted to enter only after chemical alteration. Such alteration frequently permits the compounds to be sequestered in special cellular compartments having different types of membranes. This type of homogeneity, plus the fact that the wear and tear of transmembrane molecular traffic compels the system to be constantly monitored and repaired, means that the membrane system of any organism must be both structurally complex and dy­ namic. Membranes have been traditionally difficult to study because of their fragility and small diameter. In the last several decades, however, remarkable advances have been made because of techniques permit­ ting the bulk isolation of membranes from homogenized cells. From such isolated membranes have come detailed physical and chemical analyses that have given us a detailed working model of membrane. We now can make intelligent guesses about the structural and func­ tional interactions of membrane lipids, phospholipids, proteins, sterols and water.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The plasma membrane is at once the window through which the cell senses the environment and the portal through which the environment influences the structure and activities of the cell. Its importance in cellular physiology can thus hardly be overestimated, since constant flow of materials between cell and environment is essential to the well-being of any biological system. The nature of the materials mov­ ing into the cell is also critical, since some substances are required for maintenance and growth, while others, because of their toxicity, must either be rigorously excluded or permitted to enter only after chemical alteration. Such alteration frequently permits the compounds to be sequestered in special cellular compartments having different types of membranes. This type of homogeneity, plus the fact that the wear and tear of transmembrane molecular traffic compels the system to be constantly monitored and repaired, means that the membrane system of any organism must be both structurally complex and dy­ namic. Membranes have been traditionally difficult to study because of their fragility and small diameter. In the last several decades, however, remarkable advances have been made because of techniques permit­ ting the bulk isolation of membranes from homogenized cells. From such isolated membranes have come detailed physical and chemical analyses that have given us a detailed working model of membrane. We now can make intelligent guesses about the structural and func­ tional interactions of membrane lipids, phospholipids, proteins, sterols and water.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Cardiac Left Ventricular Hypertrophy by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Application of Clinical Bioinformatics by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Jacobi Dynamics by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Consciousness and Reality: Hegel’s Philosophy of Subjectivity by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Heat Transfer in Fluidized Beds by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Descartes-Agonistes by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Photo-Excited Charge Collection Spectroscopy by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Nanotechnology to Aid Chemical and Biological Defense by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Generative Mental Processes and Cognitive Resources by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book The Genetics of Coeliac Disease by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Surrender and Catch by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Electronic System Level Design by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book The transcendental imagination by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book The Inherent Right of Self-Defence in International Law by Y.Y. Leshem
Cover of the book Politics and Belief in Contemporary France by Y.Y. Leshem
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy