Natural molecules to protect membranes against dehydration. Osmolytes and dehydrin proteins.
In this study, we have investigated some mechanisms used in nature to protect membranes and other self-assembled biomolecular structures against changes in hydration. One common mechanism used by many living organisms is the accumulation of small polar solutes with low vapor pressure that stabilize the cell membranes in cases of osmotic stress.1 These molecules are known as osmolytes. Among other
