13C Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance. XII. Structure of the phytol–lecithin bilayer. Application of electric field effects

Abstract

Phytol has been incorporated into lecithin bilayers. 13C spin–lattice relaxation times, which have been measured for both components of the model membrane, indicate a marked destabilization of the bilayer due to intercalated phytol. The disruption of normal phospholipid packing is due to the highly branched nature of the phytyl hydrocarbon chain. In addition, the position of phytol in the bilayer has been determined by means of a linear electric field effect of the polar lipid head group upon the 13C chemical shifts of the phytol olefinic carbons.