Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies
Published on: September 1, 2023
Self-association processes involving anthracene labeled phosphatidylcholines in model membrane
F Rodriguez1, J F Tocanne, A Lopez
1Institut de Biologie Cellulaire et de Génétique du CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France.
Abstract:
When studying lipid-lipid or lipid-protein interaction in membranes, the correct interpretation of data obtained when using fluorescent phospholipid probes requires the best possible knowledge of probe behaviour in phospholipid membranes. Analysis of the translational dynamics and photochemical properties of the anthracene-labeled phosphatidylcholine (EAPC) shows that a self-association process occurs with this probe in the membrane at the ground state. This anthracene self-association is characterized and leads to a hypochromic effect which has been studied by means of ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy in unilamellar egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (EggPC) vesicles. A model with indefinite linear self-association, in which each step has the same equilibrium constant, best describes the data. The equilibrium constant was found to be in the 300-500 M(-1) range and the complex lateral distribution pattern of EAPC in model membranes, which results from this self-association process, is characterized and seems to be mainly controlled by the amount of EAPC incorporated into the lipid bilayer.
Related Concept Videos
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
Fluid Mosaic Model
Fluid Mosaic Model
Lipids as Anchors
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains the...
Membrane Fluidity

