Abstract
Phospholipids are synthesized in biogenic membranes, but only on one leaflet of the bilayer. To support balanced growth of the membrane, phospholipid translocation, or flip-flop, has to occur. Though consensus has been reached that flip-flop is most likely mediated by (a) membrane-associated protein(s), a dedicated flippase has not been identified yet in any biogenic membrane. The characteristics of the flip-flop process are summarized, and possible mechanisms, including the need for a dedicated flippase, are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 163-170 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Seminars in cell & developmental biology |
| Volume | 13 |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |