The Importance of Bilayer Asymmetry in Biological Membranes: Insights from Model Membranes.

ABSTRACT: This mini-review intends to highlight the importance of bilayer asymmetry. Biological membranes are complex structures that are a physical barrier separating the external environment from the cellular content. This complex bilayer comprises an extensive lipid repertory, suggesting that the different lipid structures might play a role in the membrane. Interestingly, this vast repertory of lipids is asymmetrically distributed between leaflets that form the lipid bilayer. Here, we discuss the properties of the plasma membrane from the perspective of experimental model membranes, consisting of simplified and controlled in vitro systems. We summarize some crucial features of the exoplasmic (outer) and cytoplasmic (inner) leaflets observed through investigations using symmetric and asymme

SUBMITTER: Oliveira IS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11943618 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature