1-Palmitoyl-2-(p-benzoyl)benzoyl phosphatidylcholine, a photoactive phospholipid for the labelling of membrane components

The preparation and use of a new photoactivatable phosphatidylcholine derivative [1-palmitoyl-2-(p-benzoyl)benzoyl phosphatidylcholine] is described. The reagent is shown to be effective in labelling different membrane proteins under irradiation conditions that preserve their enzymic activity. The properties of this new phospholipid analogue suggest that it can be useful in studying several aspects of membrane structure and function.