Biomembranes

Both science and religion are aspects of human endeavor that do not observe political constraints. It is therefore appropriate that contributions should come from many different countries for a series which attempts to chronicle developments in an interdisciplinary field such as membrane research. This volume is an excellent example of the diversity of thinking, background, and approach needed by the working scientist for his re search planning. From Canada comes a review by Silverman and Turner of the mech anisms by means of which the plasma membrane of the renal proximal tubule acts as a transport mediator. The two chapters that were writtyn by American scientists are excellent examples of the comparative bio chemical approach. Inouye feels he must apologize for being interested in the outer membrane of E. coli, but it is obvious, after a reading of his chapter, that no apology is required. On the contrary, we are grateful for his drawing our attention to this system and its unique properties. Holtz man, Gronowicz, Mercurio, and Masur are also on a consciousness raising mission in summarizing for us a number of integrated functions of membranes using the toad bladder as an experimental system. The other two chapters of this volume come from overseas. N orthcote has again demonstrated his capacity to integrate a complex and difficult field.

Contenu
1 The Renal Proximal Tubule.- I. Introduction.- II. Morphologic Asymmetry.- III. Biochemical Asymmetry.- IV. Transport Asymmetry.- V. Interdependence of Tubular Transport Systems.- VI. Hormone Receptors.- VII. Structural Determinants of Epithelial Plasma Membrane Asymmetry.- VIII. Proximal Tubule Dysfunction.- IX. Conclusion.- X. References.- 2 The Involvement of the Golgi Apparatus in the Biosynthesis and Secretion of Glycoproteins and Polysaccharides.- I. Introduction.- II. Polysaccharide and Glycoprotein Formation.- III. Transport of the Polymers from the Endomembrane System.- IV. Membrane Fusion.- V. Control of Polysaccharide Formation for Secretion.- VI. References.- 3 Notes on the Heterogeneity, Circulation, and Modification of Membranes, with Emphasis on Secretory Cells, Photoreceptors, and the Toad Bladder.- I. Introduction.- II. Membrane Heterogeneity and the Endoplasmic Reticulum.- III. Membrane Diversification.- IV. Concluding Comments.- V. References.- 4 Lipoprotein of the Outer Membrane of Escherichia coli.- I. Introduction.- II. Structure.- III. Biosynthesis.- IV. Modification and Assembly.- V. Genetic Approaches.- VI. Other Approaches.- VII. Conclusions.- VIII. References.- 5 Electrochemical Proton Gradient across the Membranes of Photophosphorylating Bacteria.- I. Introduction.- II. Electrochemical Potential Gradient across the Chromatophore Membrane.- III. Electrochemical Potential Gradient across the Bacteriorhodopsin Membrane.- IV. Functions of the Transmembrane Electrochemical Potential Gradient.- V. Addendum.- VI. References.