Structure of Cholesterol/Lipid Ordered Domains in Monolayers and Single Hydrated Bilayers

摘要

Cell membranes are currently thought to consist of different lipid phases and domains at the nanometer scale. These domains (also known as "lipid rafts") differ in composition, structure, and stability and consequently in properties and function. They selectively incorporate or exclude specific proteins, and thereby fulfill an important function in cell activity and signaling.