Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions
Published on: August 3, 2021
Effects of cis- and trans-unsaturated lipids on an interdigitated membrane
Eric A Smith1, Connor Smith1, Brian Tanksley1
1Department of Chemistry, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA.
Abstract:
The effects of adding cis- and trans-unsaturated lipid to a fully interdigitated membrane were examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction. A monofluorinated analog of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) was used as the interdigitated lipid. The single fluorine atom on the end of the sn-2 chain allows 1-palmitoyl-2-(16-fluoropalmitoyl)sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (F-DPPC) to spontaneously form the interdigitated gel phase (LβI) below the main transition temperature (Tm). The cis 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and equivalent trans lipid 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DEPC) are strongly disfavored to form the LβI phase. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data demonstrate that the unsaturated lipids progressively disrupt the intermolecular packing at higher concentrations. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data show that as the ratio of unsaturated lipid increases, the amount of interdigitated lipid decreases. The cis isomer is more disruptive and inhibits interdigitation more effectively than the trans isomer.
Related Concept Videos
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
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...
Membrane Fluidity
Structure of Lipids
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...
Biosynthesis of Lipids

