A Fluorescent Probe of Model Biomembranes
Gerald Feigenson

One approach to the study of biological membranes is to make simplified ("model") membranes from purified components. A sensitive way to examine these model membranes is to incorporate a fluorescent molecule into the membrane. In this exploration, students will receive an introductory lecture about the current state of membrane phase research, then: (i) prepare a model membrane suitable for fluorescence microscope study; (ii) use a fluorescence microscope to observe model membranes in states of 1-phase, coexisting solid and liquid phases, and two coexisting immiscible liquid phases.