Naslov
Preparation and properties of functionalized vesicles as protocell models

Autori
Noethig-Laslo, Vesna ; Paleos, Constatinos ; Svetina, Saša ; Šentjurc, Marjeta ; Tomašić, Jelka ; Walde, Peter

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
3rd Workshop of the COST Chemistry Action D27 - Prebiotic Chemistry and early Evolution / Pier Luigi Luisi - Heraklion, 2004

Skup
3rd Workshop of the COST Chemistry Action D27 - Prebiotic Chemistry and early Evolution

Mjesto i datum
Heraklion, Grčka, 30.09.2004. - 03.10.2004

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Pozvano predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Protocell models; Vesicles; Spin labeling; Pulse EPR; Phospholipid

Sažetak
The aim of the research of the working group WG-0006/03 is to prepare functionalized vesicles. Our research will focus on the biophysical properties of vesicles as boundary structures that were possibly relevant in protocellular structures, hypothetical cell-like assemblies that preceeded the first cells. In contemporary cells, a fundamental role of membrane boundaries is to provide a selective permeability barrier that is necessary for separating the cytoplasm from the external environment. Lipid vesicles as models of protocells should have at least similar qualitative permeability characteristics, permitting the diffusion of small molecules into the vesicle and keeping macromolecules trapped inside the vesicle compartments. Furthermore, protocells should form spontaneously and should have fission and fusion properties in order to allow a dynamic evolution of the structure. In our research different conditions will be investigated which could be responsible for the transformation of simple molecular aggregates into vesicles and further to more complex structures which may have led to the formation of protocells. For this purpose we investigate vesicles formed from simple amphiphiles, like fatty acids/soap mixtures, as well as phospholipid vesicles of various composition with respect to: permeability changes (for water and small molecules) in vesicles induced by various conditions which could influence the size, shape and domain structure of the vesicles.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemija, Biologija, Temeljne medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA