| Literature DB >> 16240667 |
José Joaquín Garcia1, E Martínez-Ballarín, S Millán-Plano, J L Allué, C Albendea, L Fuentes, J F Escanero.
Abstract
According to the Fluid Mosaic Model, a biological membrane is a two-dimensional fluid of oriented proteins and lipids. The lipid bilayer is the basic structure of all cell and organelle membranes. Cell membranes are dynamic, fluid structures, and most of their molecules are able to move in the plane of the membrane. Fluidity is the quality of ease of movement and represents the reciprocal value of membrane viscosity. Fluid properties of biological membranes are essential for numerous cell functions. Even slight changes in membrane fluidity may cause aberrant function and pathological processes. Several evidences suggest that trace elements, e.g., iron, copper, zinc, selenium, chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead may influence membrane fluidity. The interaction of heavy metals with cellular membranes may contribute to explain, at least partially, the toxicity associated with these metals.Entities:
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Year: 2005 PMID： 16240667 DOI： 10.1016/j.jtemb.2005.07.007
Source DB: PubMed Journal: J Trace Elem Med Biol ISSN： 0946-672X Impact factor: 3.849