Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions
Published on: May 27, 2021
Communication: Critical dynamics and nuclear relaxation in lipid bilayers
1Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA. harden@stanford.edu
Abstract:
Membrane composition fluctuations affect deuterium nuclear magnetic relaxation in lipid bilayers. The time dependence of the fluctuations depends on lipid diffusion. Near a miscibility critical point this diffusion involves an advective hydrodynamic coupling to the aqueous phase. The corresponding diffusion coefficient depends on both the critical length and the fluctuation wavelength. We calculate the effects of these dynamics on transverse deuterium nuclear relaxation in the 0.1(o)-10(o) range above the critical temperature.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers energy to a nearby...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Membrane Fluidity
Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...

