(Q015) If the backbone of a polypeptide is hydrophilic, how can a transmembrane alpha helix span the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer?

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Answer

because amino acid side chains in a transmembrane helix are hydrophobic and interact with the hydrophobic interior of the bilayer

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because the hydrophilic backbone makes a hole in the membrane

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because many transmembrane alpha helices must come together in a way that neutralizes the hydrophilic backbone

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because the membrane bends in such a way that the polar heads of the lipids contact the transmembrane helix

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