An ionic gradient source and a complimentary transport system regulates the flow of ions across a cell membrane. The major objective of the research focused on analyzing kinetic data to better understand the zinc transport mechanism. This study examined passive diffusion as a possible mode for zinc transport by using a liposome model system. There is a connection between bilayer fluidity (packing order of fatty acids) and rates of diffusion and this was evaluated by choosing lipids that vary with chain length and the degree of saturation or unsaturation. Zinc diffusion kinetics were monitored by observing spectral differences in the visible region of the spectrum in order to determine optimal wavelengths for the calculation of rate constants. The final objective was to calculate a permeability coefficient for each type of liposome and to make comparisons to the permeability of zinc into hepatocytes which has a permeability coefficient of about 1 X 10-7 cm/s. All liposomes used were phosphatidylcholine based. The values of the permeability coefficients for the liposomes used in this project were comparable to permeability in hepatocytes which suggest the potential importance of passive diffusion as a means for transporting biological zinc. / Department of Chemistry
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/184597 |
| Date | January 1993 |
| Creators | Friar, Steven D. |
| Contributors | Ball State University. Dept. of Chemistry., Pattison, Scott E. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 90 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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