10 Artificial and Natural Membranes

Membranes are an essential structural component of living objects (Sybesma, 1977; Volkenstein, 1981). They are formed from different lipids and act as a selective barrier around the cell and cell organelles. The phospholipid bilayer is the basic structure of all biological membranes. Besides the phospholipids, some other lipids are generally present in the membrane, such as glycolipids and cholesterol. Many biological processes require membranes. Physically and chemically essential functions include metabolism and the process of the accumulation and usage of energy in the biological system.