Membranism

Membranism is a theoretical framework in biology that emphasizes the primacy of cellular membranes in organizing life. Proponents argue that membranes—through their lipid composition, selective permeability, membrane potential, and the spatial arrangement of membrane proteins—act as the central drivers of cellular identity, signaling, metabolism, and development, with genetic information playing a supporting or modulatory role. The viewpoint treats membranes not merely as barriers but as dynamic platforms that shape biochemical pathways and emergent properties of cells and tissues.

Etymology and scope: The term derives from membrane and the suffix -ism, denoting a theory or approach. Membranism is discussed mainly within systems biology, origin-of-life studies, and biomaterials research, and is not universally adopted as a formal discipline. It seeks to complement gene-centric perspectives by foregrounding membrane processes as organizing principles.

Core ideas: Membrane composition and asymmetry influence signaling networks and metabolic flux; electrochemical gradients across membranes drive energy management and transport; membrane domains and protein complexes coordinate spatial organization; vesicular trafficking and membrane remodeling contribute to development and adaptation; protocell and synthetic biology models use membranes to explore fundamental questions about life’s organization.

Reception and critique: Critics caution that membrane-centric explanations must still account for genetic and intracellular regulatory layers and that empirical validation remains challenging. Membranism is viewed by many as a complementary lens rather than a replacement for gene- and protein-centered frameworks.

Applications: In origin-of-life research, synthetic biology, and biomimetic engineering, membranism informs the design of artificial cells, responsive materials, and transport systems. See also membrane, lipid bilayer, cell membrane, protocell, vesicle, systems biology.