compound introduction
POPC is typically considered one of the model lipids for biophysical experiments. The fatty acid composition, i.e., saturated chain in the sn-1 position and unsaturated chain in the sn-2 position, mimics mammalian phospholipid composition. Since the major constituent in Egg PC is 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl PC, POPC is an excellent synthetic substitute for EPC. The effect of non-ionic detergent on liposomes was studied with giant POPC liposomes. Increasing concentrations of detergent cause tubular protrusions, then indentations, to develop on spherical liposomes. At higher detergent concentrations, the liposomes burst.
