Breakdown of classical paradigms in relation to membrane structure and functions

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Membrane Biophysics
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Current membrane models treat bilayers as closed systems, neglecting water's influence.
• Existing paradigms consider lipid bilayers as fluid and dielectric slabs.
• This overlooks water's integral role in membrane thermodynamics and kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the mosaic fluid membrane model by incorporating water's structural and thermodynamic properties.
• To challenge the notion of lipid membranes as closed systems.
• To explore the impact of water's inclusion on membrane response to bioeffectors.

Main Methods:

• Correlating thermodynamic properties with water's structural characteristics.
• Applying the formalism of thermodynamics of irreversible processes.
• Analyzing membrane behavior as responsive structures influenced by water relaxation.

Main Results:

• Lipid membranes are demonstrated to be open systems.
• Water's structural features are crucial for membrane thermodynamics and kinetics.
• Bilayers and monolayers can be compared under controlled conditions using irreversible thermodynamics.

Conclusions:

• The traditional view of lipid membranes as closed systems and dielectric slabs requires revision.
• Incorporating water into the membrane structure model enhances understanding of bioeffector interactions.
• The concept of membrane fluidity is redefined by considering water's dynamic role.