Biological Consequences of Membrane Fluidity and Fusion

Abstract

In the previous chapter, we saw that the lipid constituents of membranes confer on these structures a fluid character. Membrane fluidity allows for a variety of biological functions. These include cell infection by envelope viruses; cell fusion, as it occurs in the biogenesis of a muscle fiber (a myotube); and the formation of junctions between cells, to allow intercellular communication. It is also clear that exoand endocytosis would be impossible in cells possessing rigid membranes.

There is a willow grows aslant a brook,

That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream;

There with fantastic garlands did she come

Of crew-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples,

That liberal shepherds give a grosser name,

But our cold maids do dead men’s fingers call them:

There, on the pendent boughs her coronet weeds

Clambering to hand, an envious sliver broke;

When down her weedy trophies and herself

Fell in the weeping brook.

William Shakespeare