Monte Carlo simulation towards ripple phase modelling

We present a novel approach to analysis of the gel-fluid transition of lipid membrane. The method is based on the Pink's model but in contrast to its standard version the dipole character of the lipid molecules polar part is considered. Moreover, less constrained movement of entire molecules is allowed. Such an approach includes into the model conditions imposed by the adjacent medium such as ionic strength, pH, and other factors affecting biological membranes via the polar part. The results obtained contribute to the explanation of the ripple phase phenomenon. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.