Insulin receptor protein rendered visible in triton X-114 membranes

Insulin receptor protein has been visualized by electron microscopy. This was rendered possible after the molecules had been extensively purified and had been reinserted into Triton X-114 membranes in a situation similar to that found in biological membranes. Freeze fracturing then revealed the insulin receptor molecules as particles randomly distributed in the fracture plane of the artificial membranes. The sizes of the particles are in the range expected from biochemical data.