INTERACTION OF SACCHARIDES WITH BIOLOGICA L-MEMBRANES

The present review surveys the mechanisms behind the so called ''anhyd robiosis'' - the ability of certain organisms to survive complete dehy dration. The elucidation of how such organisms escape irreversible dam age from dehydration may also contribute to understanding the role of water in maintaining structural and functional integrity in fully hydr ated biological membranes and cells. We have discussed the infuence of trehalose and other saccharides which have the ability to stabilize m embrane during dehydration on such processes like lipid phase transiti on, lateral phase separation and membrane fusion. The full understandi ng of the pysical principles governing the stability of dry biological systems is also of practical importance for designing ways how to pre serve liposomes and also living cells for a long time in the dry state .