In view of the fact that the mature erythrocyte lacks organelles, this cell has always been a popular source of plasma membranes. Indeed, the pioneering studies of Gorter and Grendel, which were the first to indicate the existence of the lipid bilayer, were carried out using erythrocytes. Like the plasma membranes of other cells, the red blood cell membrane is [...]
Lectins: Originally, the term lectin (from the Latin legeres, which means to select) referred to a special class of carbohydrate-binding proteins present in plant seeds that could differentially agglutinate human blood cells according to a person's blood type. Since their original discovery in plant cells by H. Stilmark some 90 years ago (at which time they were referred to as [...]
One of the most striking features of cellular organization is the pervasive occurrence of membranes. Not only are cells bounded at their surface by the plasma membrane, but the membranous organelles compartmentalize specific cellular functions and activities. Especially in eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasmic matrix itself is pervaded by membrane-bordered channels that comprise the endoplasmic reticulum or ER. We focus on [...]