What Is Membrane Biogenesis?

Membrane biogenesis is a scientific term used in the fields of molecular and cell biology. It describes a process that takes place inside a cell, in which some proteins and lipids are active in building the cell membrane. A membrane is the thin layer of tissues made up of cells that protect a surface and connect the concerned mass of cells with other parts of the body of all living things, including humans, other animals, and plants. Research findings on membrane biogenesis are most helpful in agricultural industries and the genetic engineering of plants and crops.

History

• Rudolph Birchow first introduced the theory of biogenesis in 1858. He believed that living cells can only be produced from existing cells. He also discovered by observing the structures of viruses that they are able to infect hosts of different domains of life in living cells, such as the adenovirus lineage, also known as PRD1, which is made up of coat protein fold. The lipids covered with membrane proteins represent a rare visualization of a membrane. These proteins are called P3 and P6, and they could lead to the production of the mature virus.

Research on Membrane Biogenesis

• Membrane biogenesis is studied closely to identify the pathways of molecular transportation, the enzymes involved, and the carriers of lipids and proteins in the formation of membranes. The research results are recorded in the appropriate way for references in future and may eventually have important applications.

Research on Human Cells

• A plasma membrane is the outer cover of cells in the bodies of human beings and other animals. In plants, fungi, and some bacteria it is located beneath the wall of the cells. A plasma membrane has two layers--phospholipids and embedded proteins. It is the plasma membrane that separates the contents of cells from the outside environment. Importantly, the plasma membrane is the protector of human blood cells. Recent studies on membrane biogenesis, including the internalization of the plasma membrane components, are proving to be very useful in expanding knowledge on the combination, building, and functions of blood cells.

Process

• The assembled proteins in the outer membrane control all aspects of biogenesis as they are needed for protein import and other aspects of cell survival. Scientists still have not determined how these integral proteins are joined together in the outer membrane. In a virus, there is a vital component called omp85, which is found in all living creatures. This virus is also found in yeast, in which mutants arise from integral proteins.

Benefits of Membrane Biogenesis Research

• Experimental cell research using membrane biogenesis will go a long way toward finding preventative as well as curative medicines for many diseases relating to the cells, particularly human blood cells.