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In an integrin, what structure is it that crosses the lipid bilayer?

a transmembrane spear

a bent, curved leg

a transmembrane plate

a transmembrane pleated beta-sheet

a transmembrane helix

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The structure that crosses the lipid bilayer in an integrin is a transmembrane helix. Integrins are integral membrane proteins with hydrophobic regions that interact with the membrane's hydrophobic core.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an integrin, the structure that crosses the lipid bilayer is known as a transmembrane helix. Integrins are a type of integral membrane protein which, as suggested by the name, integrates completely into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These transmembrane regions typically consist of alpha-helices, composed of 20-25 hydrophobic amino acids, and are capable of spanning the entire membrane. These alpha-helices interact with the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer, allowing the integrin to maintain a stable position within the membrane.

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