CHED 977 |
| The rate of water permeation across a biological membrane, such as a vesicle, is influenced by the difference of molecular species concentrations across the lipid layer – increases in the osmotic gradient results in greater diffusional flow rate across the membrane. Transport proteins such as Aquaporins (AQP) can dramatically change the osmotic flow rate; moreover, the rate of diffusion can be measured as the volumetric change of the vesicle. The aim of this study is to develop a functional assay of water permeability through a lipid membrane where AQP0, a water transport protein, has been incorporated. Utilization of the functional assay of water permeability for AQP0 will allow proposed methodology, for the inhibition of lens cataracts, to be able to be tested for efficiency; inevitably leading to a possible cure or form of prevention of this pathology. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Biochemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |