Membrane Biophysics

Membranes are the unique biological structures maintaining the intra- and extracellular partition. In unicellular organisms they define the living interior from the nonliving exterior. In case of eukaryotes, membranes also help in separation of different intracellular milieus. Membranes also play roles as the site of active exchange of information between intra- and extracellular environments in various ways. Here in this chapter, we first visit the structural aspects of biological membranes. Then, we discuss in details the various types of transport mechanisms that occur across membranes. We also describe the different types of ion channels and pumps with special emphasis of Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPases. We have paid special attention about diseases that are associated with dysfunction of ion channels and pumps. This chapter is designed for the readers to build a sound background on the functioning of biological membranes from the structural perspectives