A ’molecular light-switch’ in the cell membrane causes the cell to take on a burr-cell form (echinocyte, r.) or a flat form (similar to a discocyte), regardless of whether it is subjected to radiation with visual light or with ultraviolet light. © Adapted from Höglsperger F. et al., Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467’023 -39032-0; licensed under CC BY licence.
Light-switchable molecules in membranes enable different forms of living cells to be studied. A 'molecular light-switch' in the cell membrane causes the cell to take on a burr-cell form (echinocyte, r.) or a flat form (similar to a discocyte), regardless of whether it is subjected to radiation with visual light or with ultraviolet light. Adapted from Höglsperger F. et al. Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467'023 -39032-0; licensed under CC BY licence. Membranes fulfil a variety of tasks in living cells: for example, they separate the cells from their surroundings and thus protect them. Also, by means of transport proteins they convey the necessary nutrients to the interior. Membranes also play a major role when cells grow together to form tissue, when they proliferate by dividing, or when they move.
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