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A study of the ultrastructural organization of cytochromec-phospholipid membranes as revealed by various experimental treatments

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Summary

Two different types of cytochromec-phospholipid model membranes have been investigated by electron-microscopy. The preservation of the lamellar structure of the cytochromec plus phospholipid-water system after extraction of 88% phospholipids with aqueous acetone followed by only aldehyde fixation is revealed.

Pronase digestion of this type of model membrane leads to removal of 80% of the protein and loss of ordered structures as revealed by aldehyde post-fixation.

It is shown that the hydrated isooctane-soluble cytochromec-phospholipid complex retained the lamellar structures after extraction of 75% phospholipids followed by separate aldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixations. Pronase treatment of this type of model membrane leads to removal of 25 to 30% of the protein. After aldehyde fixation of these pronase-treated samples the triple-layered structures are preserved.

The structural integrity of both types of model membranes after organic extractions with aldehyde pre- or post-fixation is thought to be the result of cross-linkage of the protein by aldehyde polymers on both surfaces and through lipid bilayers. Possible localization of cytochromec in investigated model membranes is discussed.

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  1. Institute of Biological Physics of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, USSR

    V. L. Borovjagin & D. A. Moshkov

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  1. V. L. Borovjagin
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  2. D. A. Moshkov
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Borovjagin, V.L., Moshkov, D.A. A study of the ultrastructural organization of cytochromec-phospholipid membranes as revealed by various experimental treatments. J. Membrain Biol. 13, 245–262 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01868231

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01868231

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