MHB Surface of protein channel in membranes

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the surface structure of protein channels in membranes, questioning the accuracy of typical cylindrical tube representations. Participants express skepticism about the existence of a defined surface, suggesting that protein channels may have irregular, flexible shapes rather than rigid forms. The idea of "fuzzly-wuzzly" shapes is introduced to describe their potential complexity. There is a call for more detailed documentation on the surface characteristics of these channels, but such information appears to be lacking. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for further exploration of protein channel structures beyond conventional diagrams.
Joppy
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Do we know roughly what the surface of a protein channel looks like? In most of the diagrams they are depicted as a sort of cylindrical tube with a smooth surface, but I'm curious if there are some more detailed documentations somewhere? For example I know they aren't rigid objects and may be subjected to a sort of 'bending', but I can't find any info on the surface structure.
 
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Joppy said:
Do we know roughly what the surface of a protein channel looks like? In most of the diagrams they are depicted as a sort of cylindrical tube with a smooth surface, but I'm curious if there are some more detailed documentations somewhere? For example I know they aren't rigid objects and may be subjected to a sort of 'bending', but I can't find any info on the surface structure.

Hey Joppy!

Just my 2 cents.

I think they are just large molecules with no particular surface other then some fuzzly-wuzzly feebly-weebly shape.
We would just picture them as cylindrical tubes with some artificial surface details to explain what they do based on what we've observed them to do.
 
I like Serena said:
Hey Joppy!

Just my 2 cents.

I think they are just large molecules with no particular surface other then some fuzzly-wuzzly feebly-weebly shape.
We would just picture them as cylindrical tubes with some artificial surface details to explain what they do based on what we've observed them to do.

Mmmm. Fuzzly-wuzzly feebly-weebly shape it is then! :) Thanks.
 

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