Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER
2
M embrane Histor y
OUTLINE
A. Oil On Water: Interface Studies
13
C. H. Schultz: (1836)
20
Pliny the Elder: (55 A.D.)
13
Karl von Nageli: (1855)
21
Benjamin Franklin: (1772)
15
Wilhelm Pfeffer: (1877)
23
Lord Rayleigh: (1890)
16
Charles Ernest Overton: (1899)
23
Agnes Pockels: (1891)
16
Evert Gorter: (1925)
25
Irving Langmuir: (1917)
18
Summary
27
B. The Lipid Bilayer Membrane
20
References
28
William Hewson: (1773)
20
The current concept of membrane structure is based on the Fluid Mosaic Model outlined by
Singer and Nicolson in 1972 (see Chapter 8) [1] . Not surprisingly, this model did not just spring
to life in a fully developed form, but instead was conceived and developed slowly over centu-
ries [2,3] . In this chapter, two seemingly unrelated, but parallel, historical paths are discussed,
the study of oil on water and the study of the cell outer barrier (the plasma membrane). These
two approaches did not merge until the classic experiment of Gorter and Grendel in 1925 [4] .
A. OIL ON WATER: INTERFACE STUDIES
Although not appreciated until the 20 th century, the study of membrane physical proper-
ties had its origin in prehistoric observations by ancient mariners of oils floating on the
surface of water. Some of science's most revered figures contributed to this field.
Pliny the Elder: (55 A.D.)
The concept of the oily nature of a membrane had its origins in the pre-historic past. The first
written description concerned a practice commonly used in ancient times of stilling water
 
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