ABSTRACT
Biological membranes are complex, mesoscopic assemblies that possess functions, which are far more elaborate than a simple permeability barrier (or a passive matrix) in which proteins reside and carry out their associated functions. Instead, biomembranes are complex, highly functional dynamic machines that are central to a host of biological processes, including the transport of materials, cell defense, recognition, adhesion, and signaling. Although the exact composition of biomembranes varies among different types of organisms-and even within individual organisms-all cell membranes share a generic lipid bilayer architecture.
