Answers

(1) Model A: Supported. Two dark lines are PL head as it is stained by Osmium Tetroxide whereas
clear space is hydrophobic code.

Model B: Not supported. Such model cant give two dark lines but it can give uniformly stained
band

Model C: Supported but one reservation. Two dark lines are PL heads the clear zone is tails but
this experiment doesn’t give any information about protein part.
(2) Model A: Supported. As a “Naked” bilayer (4.5 nm) + two layers of protein (2 nm) = 6.5
This is within observed limit

Model B: Cant say anything

Model C: Cant say because according to this model thickness of membrane is variable as
projecting protein part can be of variable.
(3) Model A: Unclear. If protein is bound to membrane by ionic interaction, the model predicts
that there is high content of charged amino acids (hydrophilic) but evidences shows high
amount of hydrophobic amino acids.

Model B: Supported.

Model C: Supported.
(4) Model A: unclear. This model predicts protein in extended conformation rather than globular

Model B & C: Supported. The model predicts mostly globular protein

(5) Model A: Unclear. PL head groups are protected by protein layer so Phospholipase cant
remove PL head group

Model B & C: Supported. Most head groups are accessible to phospholipase

(6) Model A: Not supported as proteins are entirely accessible to trypsin digestion.

Model B: Not supported. As virtually all the proteins are in the bilayer and not accessible to
trypsin

Model C: Supported. Segment of protein that penetrates or spans the lipid bilayer are well
protected from trypsin digestion and those exposed to surface will be cleaved. The trypsin
resistant portions have a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids.