Melittin-induced fusion of acidic liposomes.

Melittin-induced fusion of acidic liposomes. Fusion was observed in the electron-microscope and assayed as intermixing of both liposomes' contents and membranes. The melittin concentrations required for fusion induction were in the microM range compared to over 10 mM Ca2+ required for a comparable effect. It is suggested that the high efficiency of melittin is due to its amphipathic nature. Its hydrophobic moiety is probably anchored in one liposome while the positively charged hydrophilic moiety attracts another liposome.