Rate constant of tension-induced pore formation in lipid membranes
Victor Levadny1, Taka-aki Tsuboi, Marina Belaya
1Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
We investigated the effects of tension induced by micropipet aspiration on giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) composed of dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC). We analyzed the time course of the fraction of intact GUVs among all of the GUVs under constant tension σ and obtained the rate constants of pore formation kp(σ). To determine kp, we developed an approach using the mean first passage time. The fitting of the theoretical curves of kp versus σ to the experimental data determined the line tension of a prepore, Γ. The value of Γ of a DOPG/DOPC bilayer was smaller than that of a DOPC bilayer.
Related Concept Videos
Protein Diffusion in the Membrane
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
Mechanisms of Membrane-bending
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...


