Effect of the phase state of lipids on their interaction with cobra cytotoxin

Interaction between cytotoxin of the Central Asia cobra venom and dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer depending on its phase state was studied by ESR with spin label. A conclusion can be drawn that the efficiency of cytotoxin effect on the membranes depends on their phase state. Cytotoxin molecules are incorporated into myophile region of the bilayer, only if the latter is in the liquid crystal state. The interaction between cytotoxins and lipids of the bilayer in a gel state is in the main conditioned by electrostatic forces.     

Measurement of profiles of potassium activity and electrical potential in the intact root

Summary Profiles of potassium activity and electrical potential in the vacuoles of cells across the intact root of Helianthus annuus have been measured. No gradient in either potassium activity or potential difference was detected from epidermis to pericycle. The trans-root electrical potential was found to be made up of two components, a large P.D. between the outside solution and the outer cells and a small P.D. at the pericycle-xylem interface. The results indicated that all the living cells of the root have the same capacity to actively accumulate potassium.