Question

What parts of a membrane protein are on what side? What happens if a membrane flips?

A) Hydrophilic parts inside; destabilizes the membrane
B) Hydrophobic parts inside; alters protein function
C) Hydrophilic parts outside; disrupts cellular communication
D) Hydrophobic parts outside; promotes membrane integrity

Answer 1

Membrane proteins are oriented in a specific way within the cell membrane, with hydrophilic regions facing aqueous environments and hydrophobic regions facing the lipid bilayer's interior. A flip in orientation would alter the protein's function and could disrupt cellular communication and other functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Membrane proteins are crucial for various functions including transport, cell communication, and maintaining the structure of cells. The parts of a membrane protein are oriented according to their affinity for water: hydrophilic (water-loving) regions of membrane proteins face the aqueous environments inside and outside of the cell, while hydrophobic (water-fearing) regions interact with the hydrophobic core of the phospholipid bilayer.

If the orientation of a membrane protein were to flip, which is highly unlikely under normal physiological conditions, the protein's function could be altered. This is due to the fact that the hydrophilic parts are meant to be facing an aqueous environment, and the hydrophobic parts are meant to be shielded from it. Such an event could disrupt various cellular functions, including cellular communication, signal transduction, and transport mechanisms.