Abstract
These structural and biochemical studies indicate that the internal structure of the cell is a complex system of macromolecules which are organized into organelles for function. These organelles consist of complicated internal membranes, the structure of which in molecular dimensions is best represented by a double layer of lipid and protein, referred to as the unit membrane (Fig. 3b, 3d, 4d, 5d). Such a structure provides large surface areas for the orientation of pigment molecules as in the photoreceptors (Fig. 8) and sites for enzymatic reactions. Since these membranes contain high concentrations of lipids, their synthesis and molecular organization become important.
Such ordered organelle structures behave like liquid crystals for they undergo phase transitions from ordered to disordered states which depend upon temperature and concentration. The determining of the kinds and distribution of the fatty acids in a variety of cells may be an approach for developing phylogenetic relationships as well as biochemical patterns in the evolution of the plant → animal. For a deeper understanding of the biological mechanism however, newer tools need to be developed to study the subtleties in the chemistry of the cell and its organelles in the living state.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bangham, A. D. Physical Structure and Behaviour of Lipids and Lipid Enzymes in “Advances in Lipid Research,” edited by R. Poaletti and D. Kritchevsky, Academic Press, New York, New York, 1963.
Benson, A. A., Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol.15, 1 (1964).
Bloch, Lipid Patterns in the Evolution of Organisms in “Evolving Genes and Proteins” edited by V. Bryson and H. Vogel, Academic Press, New York, New York, 1965.
Danielli, J. F., and H. Davson, J. Cell. Comp. Physiol.5, 495 (1935).
Erwin, J., and K. Bloch, biochem. Z.338, 496 (1963).
Finian, J. B., “Chemical Ultrastructure in Living Tissues,” Charles C Thomas, publisher, Springfield, IU, 1961.
Hooke, R., in R. T. Gunther's “Early Science in Oxford,” Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, 1938.
Hulanicka, D., J. Erwin and K. Bloch, J. Biol. Chem.239, 2778 (1964).
Korn, E. D., J. Lipid Res.5, 352 (1964).
Lehninger, A. L., “The Mitochondrion,” W. A. Benjamin Inc., New York, New York, 1964.
Loewenstein, W.R., ed. “Biological Membranes: Recent Progress,” Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci.137, 403–1048 (1966).
Luzzati, V., and F. Husson, J. Cell. Biol.12, 207 (1962).
Robertson, J. D., in “Biological Membranes: Recent Progress,” Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci.137(2), 421–440 (1966).
Rosenberg, A., Biochemistry2, 1148 (1963).
Stoeckenius, W., J. Cell. Biol.12, 221 (1962).
Wolken, J. J., and F. A. Schwertz, J. Gen. Physiol.37, 111 (1953).
Wolken, J. J., J. Theoret. Biol.3, 192 (1962).
Wolken, J. J., and G. K. Strother, Applied Optics2, 899 (1963).
Wolken, J. J., JAOCS43, 271 (1966).
Wolken, J. J., “Vision: Biophysics and Biochemistry of the Retinal Photoreceptors,” Charles C Thomas, publisher Springfield, Ill., 1966.
Wolken, J. J. “Euglena: An Organism for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies,” 2nd ed., Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, New York, 1967.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Wolken, J.J. Cellular organelles and lipids. J Am Oil Chem Soc 45, 241–246 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02652419
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02652419