The Kupershtokh-Medvedev electrostrictive instability as possible mechanism of initiation of phase transitions, domains and pores in lipid membranes and influence of microwave irradiation on cell.

One of the possible mechanisms of initiation of local phase transitions and formation of nonuniform structure of biological and model lipid membranes is suggested. It is based on anisotropic electrohydrodynamic instability of Kupershtokh and Medvedev in strong electric field relative to density perturbations. This mechanism may clarify initial stages of formation of membrane domains and pores, some aspects of cell signalization and influence of microwave irradiation of nonthermal intensity on living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]