Article
Article
Membrane mimetic chemistry
Article By:
Fendler, Janos H. Department of Chemistry, Center for Research in Membranes and Colloid Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.414225
The study of processes and reactions whose developments have been inspired by the biological membrane. Faithful modeling of the biomembrane is not an objective of membrane mimetic chemistry. Rather, only the essential components of natural systems are recreated from relatively simple, synthesized molecules. Mimetic systems are designed for well-defined purposes. The insight gained into the functioning of real membranes is considered a bonus. (The term membrane mimetic is more restrictive than the term biomimetic. Biomimetic chemistry is directed at the mechanistic elucidation of biochemical reactions and at the development of new compounds modeled on, and expected to mimic, specific biological systems. The focal point of most biomimetic chemistry is enzyme modeling.) See also: Cell membranes
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
