Chapter 9

In the description of the mechanism of proton transport by bacteriorhodopsin, we find that light-driven conformation changes promote transmembrane proton transport. Suggest at least one reason for this behavior. In molecular terms, how could a conformation change facilitate proton transport?

singer and Nicolson's fluid mosaic model of membrane structure presumed all of the following statements to be true EXCEPT: a. The phospholipid bilayer is a fluid matrix. b. Proteins can be anchored to the membrane by covalently linked lipid chains. c. Proteins can move laterally across a membrane. d. Membranes should be about 5 nm thick. e. Transverse motion of lipid molecules can occur occasionally.