[Review] The Studies of Lipid Phase Polymorphism in Model Membranes

Abstract

Polymorphic transitions in biological membranes are drawing more and more attention from the researchers working in the field of structure and function relationships in membranes of cells and subcellular organelles. In this review, we critically review the latest concepts on the effects of dynamic structure and polymorphic transitions in lipid phase on tentative physiological activities of biological membranes that may lead to rejuvenation of mitochondrial membranes. The role of non-bilayer lipid structures triggered by action of cationic membrane active peptides isolated from snake venoms and other sources in translocation of cationic proteins across membranes is also critically reviewed.