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Related Concept Videos

Membrane Fluidity01:23

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Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.
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Membrane Fluidity01:26

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Membrane fluidity is explained by the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character.
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...
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Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

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Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
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Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer01:35

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Biological membranes show uneven distribution of different types of lipids in the inner and outer layers, resulting in transverse asymmetric membranes. The treatment of the erythrocyte membrane with the enzyme phospholipase confirmed the asymmetric nature of the lipid bilayer. The enzyme hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and hydrophilic groups. The phospholipase acts only on the outer layer of the membrane, while the inner layer remains intact. The phospholipase treatment resulted in 80%...
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Microbial membranes exhibit remarkable diversity in lipid composition, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to various environmental conditions. The three domains of life—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—synthesize membrane lipids through distinct biosynthetic pathways, leading to fundamental structural differences that impact membrane stability, function, and adaptability.Fatty Acid-Based Lipids in Bacteria and EukaryaBacteria and eukaryotes share a common fatty acid biosynthesis...
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Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement01:27

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Body:After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt...
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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Enrichment of Mammalian Tissues and Xenopus Oocytes with Cholesterol
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Predicted Decrease in Membrane Oxygen Permeability with Addition of Cholesterol.

Gary Angles1, Rachel Dotson1, Kristina Bueche1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM, 87801, USA.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 8, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Cholesterol affects oxygen transport across cell membranes. Simulations show cholesterol reduces oxygen permeability, suggesting prior experimental methods may have underestimated this effect, impacting disease understanding.

Keywords:
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)Molecular dynamics simulationOximetryResistance to permeationTempocholine

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Computational Biology
  • Membrane Biophysics

Background:

  • Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for cellular function and linked to various diseases.
  • Membrane cholesterol content is hypothesized to influence cellular oxygen usage and delivery.
  • Previous studies suggest a link between cholesterol and oxygen transport, but the extent and significance are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of cholesterol on oxygen permeation rates through phospholipid bilayers.
  • To reexamine the role of cholesterol in modulating oxygen transport using computational simulations.
  • To compare simulation findings with experimental electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry data.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to model oxygen permeation through phospholipid bilayers with varying cholesterol concentrations.
  • Simulation models were validated against existing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry measurements.
  • Analysis focused on quantifying the rate of oxygen permeation and its dependence on cholesterol content.

Main Results:

  • Simulations predict that cholesterol significantly reduces the rate of oxygen permeation across phospholipid bilayers.
  • The computational models suggest that experimental EPR oximetry may have underestimated the resistance to oxygen permeation, particularly in the phospholipid headgroup region.
  • A quantitative relationship between cholesterol content and oxygen permeability was established through simulations.

Conclusions:

  • Cholesterol acts as a barrier to oxygen diffusion within phospholipid membranes.
  • Computational simulations provide a more detailed understanding of cholesterol's effect on oxygen transport than previously available.
  • Further investigation is warranted to refine experimental techniques and fully elucidate the biological significance of cholesterol-mediated oxygen transport modulation in disease contexts.