Planar Lipid Bilayers: Methods and Applications (Biological Techniques) - Softcover

Hanke, Wolfgang

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0123229952 ISBN 13: 9780123229953

Publisher: Academic Press, 1994

Synopsis

Biological Techniques is a series of volumes aimed at introducing to a wide audience the latest advances in methodology. The pitfalls and problems of new techniques are given due consideration, as are those small but vital details not always explicit in the methods sections of journal papers. In recent years, most biological laboratories have been invaded by computers and a wealth of new DNA technology and this will be reflected in many of the titles appearing in the series. The books will be of value to advanced researchers and graduate students seeking to learn and apply new techniques, and will be useful to teachers of advanced undergraduate courses involving practical or project work. Methods of constructing artificial membranes (planar lipid bilayers) from the main components of cell membranes (lipids) date from the early 1960s. Planar bilayers offer direct, quantitative experimental approaches to the study of membranes of precisely determined composition which can be manipulated by the experimenter. Pore-forming molecules, transporter molecules, ATP-dependent enzymes and other entities can be incorporated into the bilayers to simulate biological functions. Reconstitution of such functions in this way remains a key final step in attributing a functional role to purified cell membrane proteins. This book aims to demystify these techniques and begins with a broad overview of the development of the subject before dealing with the protocols involved. Key references are provided at the end of the book together with a list of suppliers.

About this title

Synopsis

This bench-top manual provides help for beginners through to experienced scientists on setting up bilayer experiments. Cell membranes consist of lipid bilayers in which are contained many other entities (eg proteins forming ion charmels) that regulate cellular processes. Scientists are guided through the know-how on making simple artificial lipid protein systems in such bilayers. Technical tips on all the pitfalls and how to build your own set-up for experimental work round off the book.

Edition details

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0123229952
• ISBN 13: 9780123229953
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144