Modelling in Biomechanics: MiB'03 - Advanced Course
April 7-11, 2003, Warsaw, Poland
|
Modelling in Biomechanics: MiB'03 - Advanced Course |
|
|
April 7-11, 2003, Warsaw, Poland |
Structure and properties of biological membranes result from the behaviour and interactions between main membrane components: lipids and proteins. In simple models the molecules can be represented as rigid blocks but in more accurate approaches the details of their structure/properties (incluing quantum-mechanical) must be taken into account. According to the modern concept membrane is a highly dynamic, asymetric and heterogeneous system. Membranes, formerly believed to exclusively play the role of passive barrier, due to their complexity are able to actively contribute to cell metabolism and signal transduction. Most of these actions are tightly related to membrane properties (also mechanic). Most of membrane models are constructed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of membrane activities. Contemporary membrane models enable to derive the biophysical properties of whole membranes from the properties of particular molecules. The models show also how the properties of whole system influence and modulate the activity of membrane proteins. Using simple and sophisticated modelling methods (Monte Carlo simulations and molecular dynamics) it is possible to predict the mechanical properties and behaviour of different systems: starting from the simple lipid bilayer up to erythrocyte membrane. Modelling of biological membranes on the basis of molecular mechanism enables also to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of several membrane related processes like endo- and exocytosis of membrane fusion.