Cell Membranes

Also known as:  Cytolemmas;  Cytomembranes;  Myelin Sheaths (nerve cell membranes only);  Plasma Membranes;  Plasmalemmasp;  Plasmolemmas

The Cell Membrane is the Lipoprotein envelope surrounding every living Cell.  It accounts for 1% - 3% of the total weight of the Cell.

Cells

 Cell Membranes hold Cells together, regulate every substance that enters or leaves the Cell, carries signals into and out of the Cell, carries out the Cell's responses to environmental stimuli and consume 70% of the Cell's energy:

 Cell Membranes need to be rigid enough to provide sound cellular structural architecture.

 Cell Membranes need to be fluid enough to permit the entrance of nutrients and the exit of waste products.

 Cell Membranes need to be fluid enough to permit the free floating of various Receptors in their Phospholipids layer.

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may stabilize Cell Membranes. 

 Carnosine may function as an Antioxidant in Cell Membranes and prevents lipid peroxidation within Cell Membranes.  ^[1]

 Ethylene-Diamine-Tetra-Acetate (EDTA - the synthetic Amino Acid used in Chelation Therapy) may enhance the integrity of Cell Membranes.  ^[2]

 Taurine may stabilize Cell Membranes.  ^[3]

Carbohydrates

 Chondroitin Sulfate is a constituent of Cell Membranes and enhances the function of Cell Membranes.  ^[4]

Colamine Phosphates

 Calcium AEP may enhance the function and structural integrity of CellMembranes:  ^[5]

 Calcium AEP may protect Cell Membranes from the effects of toxins and Antigens.

 Calcium AEP may decrease the water solubility of the Lipid Pores of Cell Membranes, thereby inhibiting the ability of Antigens to penetrate Cell Membranes.

 Calcium AEP may improve the electrical conductivity of Cell Membranes.

Hormones

 Melatonin may stabilize Cell Membranes.  ^[6]

Lipids

 AL 721 may increase the "fluidity" of Cell Membranes by removing Cholesterol and replacing it with Phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidylethanolamine:  ^[7]

 Cell Membrane fluidity is determined by the ratio of Cholesterol and Phospholipids - the greater the Cholesterol:Phospholipids ratio, the more rigid or less fluid the Membrane:

 AL 721 may lower the Cholesterol:Phospholipid ratio of several types of Cells within the body.

 Arachidonic Acid (AA) is an optional component of the Phospholipids - when it occupies Cell Membranes it comprises approximately 33% of the Cell Membrane - Arachidonic Acid remains harmless while it is "trapped" inside Cell Membranes. 

 Cholesterol is present in (small amounts) Cell Membranes where it provides structural support:  ^[8]

 Cholesterol “fine tunes” Cell Membrane fluidity under constantly fluctuating conditions of dietary Fat intake.

 Cholesterol manufactured for use in Cell Membranes is manufactured in response to demand from the Cell Membranes themselves.

 Linoleic Acid (LA) may increase the fluidity of Cell Membranes and transports Oxygen into the Cell Membranes.  Linoleic Acid also helps to hold Proteins in Cell Membranes via the electrostatic forces of its double bonds. 

 Glycosphingolipids (GSLs)are a component of various types of Cell Membranes.

 (Synthetic) Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) pass through Cell Membranes more readily than natural Triglycerides.