Question

You are characterizing an isolated membrane protein. The protein is exposed on both sides of the membrane. Over much of the central part of its surface, there are hydrophobic amino acids, while the ends are hydrophilic. It crosses the membrane a number of times. There is an opening in the center of this protein lined by hydrophilic amino acids. What kind of protein is this and what is its probable function?

Answer 1

The protein in question is an integral membrane protein, probably a channel or transporter, with a hydrophobic surface that anchors it within the membrane and hydrophilic ends for interacting with aqueous environments for cellular transport.

Step-by-step explanation:

The protein described is most likely an integral membrane protein that functions as a channel or transporter. This conclusion is drawn from the protein's structure, with hydrophobic amino acids in the central part that would interface with the lipid core of the membrane, and hydrophilic ends that would be exposed to the aqueous environment on either side of the membrane. Additionally, the presence of an opening lined by hydrophilic amino acids suggests a role in transporting polar molecules or ions across the membrane. These types of proteins facilitate the movement of substances that would not easily cross the hydrophobic interior of the phospholipid bilayer, thus they are critical for cellular transport.