Dinosterol in model membranes: Fluorescence polarization studies

Abstract

Abstract The interaction between the phospholipids of Crypthecodinium cohnii , a heterotropic marine dinoflagellate, and its major sterol dinosterol was studied using a fluorescence polarization technique. Compared to cholesterol, dinosterol is less soluble in model membranes and as effective in increasing the microviscosity. These results indicate that the unique side chain of dinosterol does not play a special role in terms of complementary interaction with the phospholipids of this organism.