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Membrane Fluidity

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies

Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies

Published on: September 1, 2023

Lipid Composition Modulates Secondary Structure at the Biocondensate-Membrane Interface.

Moonyeon Cho¹, Carlos R Baiz¹

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology

|June 5, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Membrane charge significantly alters the structure of biomolecular condensates (BMCs) at the cell membrane interface. This study reveals how lipid bilayer charge impacts condensate organization and peptide conformation using advanced spectroscopy.

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies

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Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions

Published on: May 27, 2021

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) are crucial for cellular organization via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).
The molecular interactions between BMCs and cellular membranes are not well understood.
Understanding these interfaces is key to deciphering cellular organization and function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of membrane charge on the secondary structure of poly-GR within biomolecular condensates.
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing condensate-membrane interactions.
To provide insights into the electrostatic regulation of BMCs at membrane interfaces.

Main Methods:

Utilized surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) to analyze peptide secondary structure.
Employed SEIRAS to quantify poly-GR conformation within condensates at supported lipid bilayers.
Investigated interactions with both neutral (POPC) and negatively charged (POPC/POPS) lipid bilayers.

Main Results:

Neutral POPC bilayers maintained the β-sheet rich structure of the bulk condensate at the interface.
Negatively charged POPC/POPS bilayers induced a decrease in β-sheet content and an increase in β-turns.
Lipid headgroups were perturbed by the condensate, with greater effects observed on charged bilayers.

Conclusions:

Membrane electrostatic charge is a critical regulator of biomolecular condensate secondary structure and interfacial behavior.
Condensate-membrane interactions are modulated by lipid charge, affecting peptide conformation and hydration.
This work offers molecular-level insights into how membranes control condensate organization.