| Abstract: | Bilayers of human erythrocyte apoprotein-lipid complexes were made by dipping a mica plate through monolayers of the complex formed at the air-water interface. Stearic acid and erythrocyte lipid alone served as controls. Freeze-fracture images of the complex at high lipid surface pressures (30 dynes/cm) showed particles (average diameter, 109 Å ± 18 Å) similar to those of erythrocyte ghosts (average diameter, 102 Å ± 19 Å). Control surfaces were smooth. We conclude that part or all of the protein molecule penetrated into the lipid bilayer and that erythrocyte apoprotein-lipid complexes yield fracture faces similar to the native erythrocyte membrane. |
