[Phospholipid membrane resistance in the direction of the surface of the layer]

A technique for measurement of lateral resistance of phospholipid bilayer membranes of two types is described. The specific resistance of membranes with artificial structure (polar groups located inside the bilayer) depended on the content of adsorbed water and temperature. The specific resistance of membranes with natural structure (polar groups located on the bilayer surface) depended on temperature and did not exceed 10(3) Om . cm. Cholesterol decreased the lateral resistance.