Cell Membranes

Cell Membranes offers a solid foundation for understanding the structure and function of biological membranes. The book explores the composition and dynamics of cell membranes?discussing the molecular and biological diversity of its lipid and protein components and how the combinatorial richness of both components explains the chemical, mechanical, and self-renewing properties of cell membranes. Cell Membranes is a valuable resource for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals.

Part I The Outer Limits of Life: The Structure and Dynamics of Cell Membranes
1. The Role of Membranes in Cells and Organisms
2. The Molecular Organization of Cell Membranes
3. The Structure of Membrane Proteins
4. The Biological Diversity of Membrane Lipids
5. The Shape of Membranes and Their Transformations

Part II The Living Membrane: The Function of Cell Membranes
6. Separation: Membranes as Surface and Interface
7. Exchange: Membrane Crossings
8. Integration: Membranes as Gatekeepers of Information
9. Metabolism: Growing Membranes, Sustaining Cells

Lukas K. Buehler received his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Basel in Switzerland. He is a Professor of Biology at Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California, teaching general biology, cell biology, human physiology, and bioinformatics. His research interest is in biological membranes and how membrane transport proteins from diverse organisms—from bacteria to humans—function.