Physicochemical techniques in description of interactions in model and native plant membranes under stressful conditions and in physiological processes

Abstract

The diversity of chemical structure of lipids present in the cell membranes, concerning both a hydrophilic (polarity and charge) and hydrophobic (chain length and unsaturation of fatty acids residues) parts, assists in providing suitable physical and chemical properties for the course of multiple reaction within the membrane. This review presents the results of the changes in the lipid composition of native membranes of plant cells under stress conditions and during developmental processes. It also discussed the use of lipids to create model systems which allow for interpretation of specificity of reactions taking place in the membrane fragments. The spontaneous formation by lipids closed spherical structures (bi-layers) in an aqueous medium, and monolayers at the water/air interface creates a convenient model system for the native membranes. The review focuses on the techniques of electrokinetic potential (zeta potential) measurements and Langmuir monolayers’ studies. The first gives the possibility to conclude about the modification of the polar part of the membranes, the second allows to determine their structural properties (fluidity, stiffness). The relatively rapid modification of the lipid composition under stress and during the course of developmental processes to ensure the optimal functions of membranes and organelles includes the changes of hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of lipid, as an important factor influencing the course of multiple reactions in cells. Understanding the physicochemical properties of lipids that accompany these processes may contribute to the correct description of the functionality of the cells under these conditions.