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Disc-shaped structures called bicelles
Researchers used neutron and X-ray scattering techniques to characterize disc-shaped structures called bicelles that mimic cell membranes. The rim of the disc comprises a detergent (purple) and the disc’s center is made up of glycerophospholipids (green), sphingomyelin (blue) and cholesterol (gold).
[Research supported by U.S. National Science Foundation grants DBI 0922862 and DMR 0520547.]
Learn more about this research in the PennState news story Novel cell membrane model could be key to uncovering new protein properties. (Date of image: unknown; date originally posted to NSF Multimedia Gallery: April 25, 2021)
Credit: ORNL/Jill Hemman
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