On Qualitative Composition of Membrane Lipids in Plant Cells
A. V. Zhukov
Abstract
Literature data about qualitative composition of the classes of polar lipids constituting plant cell membranes are discussed. A diversity of classes of phospho-, glyco-, and other lipids and hydrophobic compounds lacking acyl groups are given. Fatty acid composition of polar lipids, composition of amino alcohols as components of glycosphingolipids, and oxyacids abundant in cerebrosides are considered. A key role of saturated fatty acids in the creation of an optimal physical state of membranes necessary for their normal operation is emphasized. A necessity and feasibility of construction of 3D models of biomembranes is stressed. A logic approach is proposed to a better understanding of the role of qualitative diversity of lipid composition in membrane organization. Materials showing a possibility of chemical and biological transformation of lipids in plants are cited. Several issues of membrane structure, including microdomains, remodeling of bilayer, and vesicular traffic are addressed.