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Published May 28, 1991 | public
Journal Article

Alterations in membrane surfaces induced by attachment of carbohydrates

Abstract

We have examined the behavior of the dry phospholipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in the presence of several carbohydrate derivatives. These carbohydrate derivatives possess a hydrophobic portion which is incorporated directly into the DPPC membrane and a hydrophilic portion which places the carbohydrate structure at the membrane interface with the surrounding matrix. In the presence of these derivatives, the physical properties of the membrane are altered. These alterations are evident in changes observed in the phosphate and carbonyl vibrational modes of the phospholipid portion of the membrane. In addition, the phase transition behavior of the lipid is significantly altered as evidenced by a reduction in the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature. These results are consistent with those Previously reported for free carbohydrates interacting with membranes in which a water replacement hypothesis has been used to explain the behavior. The attachment of carbohydrates to the membrane enhances these effects by localizing the agent responsible for these alterations at the membrane interface.

Additional Information

© 1991 American Chemical Society. Published in print 28 May 1991. This work was supported by a grant from the Army Research Organization (DAAG-29-83-K-0128). R.P.G. is supported by a National Research Service Award (T32 GM07616) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. This work was also supported in part by a grant from Monsanto.

Additional details

Created:
August 20, 2023
Modified:
October 18, 2023