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Question 1

Classification of lipid membranes:

Flat artificial membranes:

Answer 1

Monolayers = Resemble half-plane of neutral membranes
Bilayers = Sheet of lipids two molecules thick held together by noncovalent forces.
Free floating
Solid-supported

Question 2

Classification of lipid membranes:

Spherical artificial membranes:

Answer 2

Liposomes = Phospholipids can self-organize in vascular structure when they are dispersed in water, they are bilayer.
Micelles = Composed of one layer of lipids in a vascular structure
Mono-lamellar liposomes
Multi-lamellar liposomes

Question 3

Methods for preparation of liposomes:

Answer 3

Dispersing of lipid film Giant vesicles (20 - 50 µм)
Spontaneous growth by swelling from a lipid firm in water – duration 2-3 days
Electro-stimulated growth: the growth is accelerated by applying weak alternating current – duration hours
Injection method
Ultrasound method
Extrusion method

Question 4

What lipids are used to form micelles and liposomes?

Answer 4

To prepare spherical lipids, the type of lipid molecule used is important. The ratio between the head and tail is what is important. For micelles, phospholipid molecules with bigger heads and smaller tails (like the structure of cones) are a must. Whilst for liposomes, phospholipids with equal head and tail ration - like the shape of a cylinder, is a must.