You recently identified a novel protein that contains several membrane-spanning domains.You would predict that the amino acids embedded in the membrane would have ________ side groups.
A)nonpolar
B)polar uncharged
C)positively charged
D)negatively charged

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Membrane-spanning domains are hydrophobic in nature and are embedded in the lipid bilayer. Nonpolar amino acids have predominantly hydrophobic side chains and are likely to be embedded in the membrane to interact with the hydrophobic lipid tails of the membrane. Polar or charged amino acids would not be stable in the hydrophobic environment of the membrane and would be more likely to interact with the polar environment inside or outside the cell.

You Recently Identified a Novel Protein That Contains Several Membrane-Spanning