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Abstract:
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In this project, an attempt has been made to study the stability of
erythrocyte and lysosomal membranes biochemically. Erythrocytes were chosen for the study because of their ready availability and relative simplicity. Biological membranes forming closed boundaries between compartments of varying composition consist mainly of proteins and lipids. They are asymmetric, fluid structures that are thermodynamically stable and metabolically active. Normal cellular function begins with normal membrane
structure and any variation in it may upset the normal functions. The degree of fluidity of a membrane depends on the chain length of its lipids and degree of unsaturation
of constituent fatty acids. In response to environmental changes, many cells can regulate
composition of their membranes to maintain the overall semi fluid environment
necessary for many membrane associated functions. The assembly and
Maintenance of membrane structures in cells is a dynamic process. The
components are not only synthesized and inserted into a growing membrane but
are also continuously degraded at a slower rate. This turnover process varies
with each individual molecule.Lysosomes are important in the catabolic processes occurring in the cell. Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes and are stable
under normal conditions. In certain pathological conditions, the lysosomal
membrane may rupture, releasing the hydrolytic enzymes into the cell and
digestion of cell takes place as a whole. This is very dangerous. In normal
life processes of multi cellular organisms, lysosomes rupture following the
death of a cell and it may have some value as a built in mechanism for selfremoval
of dead cells.An attempt has also been made in this project towards developing
lysosome membrane stability as an index of fish spoilage during storage.
Different membranes within the cell and between cells have different
compositions as reflected in the ratio of protein to lipid. The difference is
not surprising given the very different functions of membranes |