Domains and rafts in membranes - Hidden dimensions of selforganization

Both biomembranes and biomimetic membranes such as lipid bilayers with several components contain intramembrane domains and rafts. Macromolecules, which are anchored to the membrane but have no tendeney to cluster, induce curved nanodomains. Clustering of membrane components leads to larger domains which can grow up to a certain maximal size and then undergo a budding process. The maximal domain size depends on the interplay of spontaneous curvature, bending rigidity, and line tension. It is argued that this interplay governs the formation of both clathrin-coated buds and caveolae. Finally, membrane adhesion often leads to domain formation within the contact zone.