STUDY OF INTACT AND MODIFIED ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANES WITH LASER RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPY

Raman spectra of erythrocyte membranes which were intact and erythrocyte membranes which were modified by extrinsic protein extraction procedures were examined. In all cases, there was no apparent correlation between protein extraction and membrane lipid fluidity. The extraction of the band 6 protein by 0.15 M NaCl but not 0.001 m NADH raised the erythrocyte membrane alpha-helical content while the extraction of all extrinsic proteins by 0.1 m NaOH resulted in a decrease in protein alpha-helical content. The study shows that either peripheral protein extraction and/or salt solutions can modify the secondary structures of the remaining intrinsic membrane proteins.