Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:10
In Vitro Reconstitution of Self-Organizing Protein Patterns on Supported Lipid Bilayers
Published on: July 28, 2018
[Pattern formation in microcosm: the role of self-assembly in complex biological envelopes development]
Zhurnal Obshchei Biologii
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Pollen and spore wall development involves self-assembling processes, forming complex microstructures. These layers reflect phase transitions in colloidal solutions, revealing the history of sporoderm formation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Colloid Science
Context:
- Pollen and spore wall (sporoderm) development is a complex biological process.
- Previous research suggested roles for self-assembly in sporoderm formation.
- The glycocalyx and sporopollenin are key components in this process.
Purpose:
- To reconsider sporoderm development data through the lens of self-assembling processes.
- To integrate colloidal chemistry principles into understanding sporoderm formation.
- To hypothesize that sporoderm microstructures represent a historical record of self-assembly.
Summary:
- Sporoderm development stages observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) align with micellar mesophases of self-assembling colloidal solutions.
- Mature pollen wall microstructures (granules, columellae, layered rods, bilayers) are interpreted as a 'stiff history' of micellar sequences.
- Layered heterogeneous microstructures in pollen walls result from abrupt phase transitions characteristic of self-assembling micellar systems.
Impact:
- Provides a novel colloidal chemistry-based interpretation of sporoderm development.
- Explains the origin of diverse microstructures within pollen and spore walls.
- Highlights the role of self-assembly and phase transitions in biological pattern formation.
Related Concept Videos
00:59Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation
Different physical properties of lipids and proteins allow them to localize and form distinct islands or domains in the membrane. Some membrane domains are formed due to protein-protein interactions, whereas others are formed due to the presence of specific lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols—for example, large proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin, aggregate and create distinct domains.
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with cytoskeletal...
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with cytoskeletal...
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
01:31Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
01:19Fluid Mosaic Model
Scientists identified the plasma membrane in the 1890s and its principal chemical components (lipids and proteins) by 1915. The model for plasma membrane structure, proposed in 1935 by Hugh Davson and James Danielli, was the first model to be widely accepted in the scientific community. The model was based on the plasma membrane's "railroad track" appearance in early electron micrographs. Davson and Danielli theorized that the plasma membrane's structure resembled a sandwich with the analogy of...