Cholesterol and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains that cluster signalling proteins.
Rafts are small, dynamic domains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids that are more ordered than the surrounding membrane. They concentrate certain proteins, such as GPI-anchored ones and some receptors, helping assemble signalling complexes.
Their existence in living cells is still debated and studied with super-resolution microscopy.
Cholesterol and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains that cluster signalling proteins.
Lipid Rafts is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Steroids, Phospholipids, Protein Folding and Chaperones.
Some viruses, including HIV, bud from raft-like regions.
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Lipid Rafts. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Lipid Rafts are Steroids, Phospholipids, Protein Folding and Chaperones, Tertiary Structure. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Lipid Rafts. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
Lipid Rafts: Cholesterol and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains that cluster signalling proteins. Steroids: Lipids built on four fused carbon rings, including cholesterol and hormones like oestrogen and testosterone. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Steroids and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Lipids built on four fused carbon rings, including cholesterol and hormones like oestrogen and testosterone.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryLipids with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic tails that self-assemble into membranes.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryChaperone proteins such as Hsp70 help nascent polypeptides reach their native fold and prevent aggregation.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryThe overall three-dimensional shape of one polypeptide, held by side-chain interactions and disulfide bridges.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry