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[Protein-analysis] Re: why membrane is asymmetrical ?

Dr Engelbert Buxbaum engelbert_buxbaum at hotmail.com
Thu Jul 6 06:02:13 EST 2006


sandeep wrote:

> why membrane is asymmetrical ? and the glycolipids are found only the
> outer layer (not in cytosolic side ) ? please comment on it


If "why" referes to the mechanism by which such asymetry is created, any
book on molecular cell biology (e.g. Albers et al. or Lodish et al.)
will answer the question. Look for phospholipid biosynthesis (and also
membrane protein biosynthesis).

If "why" referes to purpose, then because the environments on both sides
of the membrane are different (cytosol vs interstitial fluid) and the
two leaflets of the membrane have different tasks. Therefore they have
different composition. The cited books will also enlighten you on the
details here (check the chapters on transmembrane transport, receptors
and immune system).



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