RESUMEN

X-ray diffraction spacings in multilayered membranes obtained from frog sciatic nerves were found to increase in discrete steps of approx. 5 A during swelling. These observed jumps in the repeat period suggest that the lipid bilayers exist in distinct states of hydration, and perhaps the swelling occurs by step-wise addition of water layers between the polar head groups. Our analysis and statistical tests of this hypothesis are presented.

Asunto(s)

Agua Corporal/química , Membranas/química , Animales , Análisis de Fourier , Membrana Dobles de Lípidos/química , Vaina de Mielina/química , Rana pipiens , Nervio Ciático/química , Estadística como Asunto , Difracción de Rayos X