Binary membranes: a reinterpretation of membrane and myelin structure

Membrane structure is reinterpreted in terms of a binary membrane consisting of a double layer of lipoprotein globules. In sectioned and stained mitochondrial preparations the binary membrane appears as a five-layered structure—three dark lines separated by two unstained regions. Electron micrographs published in the literature suggest that other biomembranes may exhibit this binary structure.