Abstract
Solute molecules may cross biological membranes as a result of a bulk transport mechanism, as described in Chapter 4, or individual molecules may pass independently through the membrane by one of several different processes. A solute molecule that possesses hydrophobic character and is not excessively large can permeate a lipid bilayer by simple diffusion. The process follows diffusion (nonsaturation) kinetics and lacks stereospecificity. The prime requirement for passive permeation is solubility in the hydrophobic phase of the membrane. Long-chain fatty acids, sterols, and a variety of lipophilic drugs fall within this category, and these molecules rapidly enter the cytoplasm.
Interpretation encompasses an infinite number of approaches, none of which is necessarily preferable. While two routes will lead through different regions, the final destination may be the same.
Margaret Rowell
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© 1975 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
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Saier, M.H., Stiles, C.D. (1975). Transmembrane Solute Transport Mechanisms. In: Molecular Dynamics in Biological Membranes. Heidelberg Science Library. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9399-3_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9399-3_5
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