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Membrane Biophysics

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Introduction to Biomolecular Structure and Biophysics

Abstract

Membranes are the unique biological structures maintaining the intra- and extracellular partition. In unicellular organisms they define the living interior from the nonliving exterior. In case of eukaryotes, membranes also help in separation of different intracellular milieus. Membranes also play roles as the site of active exchange of information between intra- and extracellular environments in various ways. Here in this chapter, we first visit the structural aspects of biological membranes. Then, we discuss in details the various types of transport mechanisms that occur across membranes. We also describe the different types of ion channels and pumps with special emphasis of Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPases. We have paid special attention about diseases that are associated with dysfunction of ion channels and pumps. This chapter is designed for the readers to build a sound background on the functioning of biological membranes from the structural perspectives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA

    Sushant Singh

  2. School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India

    Naresh C. Bal

Authors
  1. Sushant Singh
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  2. Naresh C. Bal
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sushant Singh .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Gauri Misra

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Singh, S., Bal, N.C. (2017). Membrane Biophysics. In: Misra, G. (eds) Introduction to Biomolecular Structure and Biophysics. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4968-2_7

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