The most common motif found in membrane-spanning proteins is:
A) α helices of nonpolar amino acids that pass through the membrane.
B) αhelices of charged amino acids that form channels via extensive hydrogen bonding.
C) a triple helix of ɑ helices.
D) a helix-turn-helix arrangement of the peptide strands.
E) None of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

α helices of nonpolar amino acids are the most common motif found in membrane-spanning proteins. This is because they can interact with the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer while avoiding interactions with the aqueous environment on either side of the membrane.

The Most Common Motif Found in Membrane-Spanning Proteins Is