- #1
TytoAlba95
- 132
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- Homework Statement
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- Relevant Equations
- -
Please give me clues as to how to solve this question.
The answer provided is (c).
MCQ- Insertion of a protein into a liposome membrane
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the insertion of a protein into a liposome membrane, specifically addressing the concept of reconstitution in this context. Participants concluded that removing the positive charge from the protein's C-terminal enhances its ability to integrate into the lipid bilayer, which is impermeable to charged species. The lipid bilayer's composition, particularly with DOPC as a prevalent component, plays a crucial role in this process. The correct answer to the posed question is option (c).
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of liposome structure and function
- Knowledge of protein reconstitution techniques
- Familiarity with lipid bilayer permeability
- Basic principles of protein charge and its effect on membrane incorporation
- Research the role of DOPC in membrane dynamics
- Study protein purification methods, focusing on precipitation and reconstitution
- Explore the effects of protein charge on membrane permeability
- Learn about the mechanisms of protein-lipid interactions in cellular membranes
Biochemists, molecular biologists, and researchers involved in membrane protein studies or liposome technology will benefit from this discussion.
Please give me clues as to how to solve this question.
The answer provided is (c).
- #2
berkeman
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You've been at the PF long enough to know that you have to show some effort. Since "Relevant Equations" doesn't apply to this type of question, how about you define all of the terms in this question? Then tell us your initial thoughts on how to figure this out...SanjuktaGhosh said:
- #3
TytoAlba95
- 132
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I'm sorry to have broken the code, but it is true that I'm clueless. Okay...I'll still try writing something.
What could reconstitution mean in this context? A protein in a solution with liposomes trying to incorporate itself into their membrane?
Now that I know the correct option and if I think backwards, having the positive charge removed will be beneficial to incorporate the protein. Because lipid bilayer is not permeable to charged species, so a neutral C-terminal followed by a hydrophilic region will easily enter into the membrane.
Am I right?
What could reconstitution mean in this context? A protein in a solution with liposomes trying to incorporate itself into their membrane?
Now that I know the correct option and if I think backwards, having the positive charge removed will be beneficial to incorporate the protein. Because lipid bilayer is not permeable to charged species, so a neutral C-terminal followed by a hydrophilic region will easily enter into the membrane.
Am I right?
- #4
chemisttree
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Proteins are usually purified by precipitation followed by a dissolution step that is referred to as reconstitution. I think it implies not just solubility but a reconstitution of the protein’s 3 dimensional shape in solution.
- #5
chemisttree
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I agree with your answer to a point. The generic schematic of the vesicle bilayer doesn’t allow us to make a sweeping generalization that substitution of a neutral endgroup for the positive endgroup would result in a better reconstitution (meaning a return of protein’s activity here). If we consider the bilayer is composed of DOPC, the most prevalent lipid bilayer component found in animal systems, you will notice the headgroup is positively charged.SanjuktaGhosh said:
And what do we know about like charges?
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