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Molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion: Steps during phospholipid and exocytotic membrane fusion

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Abstract

Exocytosis is considered as four separate steps: adhesion, fusion/pore formation, pore widening, and content discharge. Experiments on both synthetic and natural membranes are presented to show each of these steps. Major differences are seen in the two fusing systems. These differences are discussed in terms of molecular mechanisms of fusion.

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  1. PSL, DCRT, and LBM, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 12A, Rm 2007, 20892, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Joshua Zimmerberg

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Zimmerberg, J. Molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion: Steps during phospholipid and exocytotic membrane fusion. Biosci Rep 7, 251–268 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01121447

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