Dynamics of two-component membranes surrounded by viscoelastic media

J Phys Condens Matter. 2015 Nov 4;27(43):432001. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/27/43/432001. Epub 2015 Oct 8.

Abstract

We discuss the dynamics of two-component fluid membranes which are surrounded by viscoelastic media. We assume that membrane-embedded proteins can diffuse laterally and induce a local membrane curvature. The mean squared displacement of a tagged membrane segment is obtained as a generalized Einstein relation. When the elasticity of the surrounding media obeys a power-law behavior in frequency, an anomalous diffusion of the membrane segment is predicted. We also consider the situation where the proteins generate active non-equilibrium forces. The generalized Einstein relation is further modified by an effective temperature that depends on the force dipole energy. The obtained generalized Einstein relations are useful for membrane microrheology experiments.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Diffusion
  • Elasticity*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Thermodynamics
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins