Principles of membrane stability and phase behavior under extreme conditions

Biological membranes consist of a complex assortment of lipids and proteins. The arrangement of the components, particularly in regard to their lateral disposition in the plane of the membrane under physiological conditions, is dependent on the phase behavior of the different membrane lipids and the way that this behavior is modified by interaction with other membrane components and electrolytes in the aqueous medium. Irreversible phase separation of components within the membrane may result from exposure to extreme environmental conditions including temperature, pressure, or electrolyte concentration. The principles underlying the phase-mixing behavior of model membrane systems can be used to provide useful information about the factors that determine the stability of biomembranes under physiological and non-physiological conditions. These data are reviewed and used to predict events that take place when membranes are exposed to environmental stress.