Unique Lipids and Structures of Membranes in Archaebacteria

Authors

  • L. Cubonova Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic
  • P. Smigan Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic

Abstract

The most striking chemical differences between Archaea membrane lipids and lipids of living organisms are as follows. The former contain (1) 2,3-di-O-difytanyl-sn-glycerol instead of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol, (2) ether bonds instead of ester bonds, (3) isoprenoid chains instead of fatty acids, (4) branched isoprenoids. The structure of Archaea membranes is also unique. Lipid vesicles prepared from archaeal lipids (archaeosomes) are more stable than liposomes and are useful for medical and biotechnological applications.

Published

2004-03-15

How to Cite

Cubonova, L., & Smigan, P. (2004). Unique Lipids and Structures of Membranes in Archaebacteria. Chemické Listy, 98(2). Retrieved from http://ww-w.chemicke-listy.cz/ojs3/index.php/chemicke-listy/article/view/2158

Issue

Section

Articles