X-ray diffraction patterns from haemoglobin-free erythrocyte membranes

X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies of frozen erythrocyte membrane preparations

Well-defined X-ray diffraction patterns have been recorded from erythrocyte membranes in the frozen state. At -40 degrees C, lamellar periodicities range from 19 to 95 nm depending on the glycerol content (0--40%, respectively). Freeze-fracture electon micrographs of samples frozen in two stages to approximate to the diffraction conditions show ice formation external to membrane stacks. The membrane stacks have periodicities of the same order of magnitude as those obtained by X-ray diffraction.

X-ray and neutron scattering density profiles of the intact human red blood cell membrane

Hemoglobin-free human red blood cell membranes have been prepared with glutaraldehyde to maintain an intact structure on partial dehydration. Treatment of resealed ghosts with poly(L-lysine) produced an essentially constant structural unit and permitted correlation of electron microscopy results with x-ray and neutron diffraction profiles. These profiles provide detailed information, for the intact membrane, on the location and relative distribution of lipids and proteins.