Question

What word below characterizes the amino acids that are found in a cytoplasmic domain of an integral membrane protein?

1) predominantly hydrophilic
2) predominantly hydrophobic
3) predominantly nonpolar

Answer 1

The amino acids in the cytoplasmic domain of an integral membrane protein are predominantly hydrophilic because they are situated in the aqueous cytoplasmic environment and interact favorably with it.

Step-by-step explanation:

When examining the amino acids that are found in the cytoplasmic domain of an integral membrane protein, we can expect these amino acids to be predominantly hydrophilic. This is because these regions of the protein are positioned in the aqueous cytosol and need to interact favorably with the cytoplasmic environment. Therefore, unlike the regions of the protein that interact with the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer, the cytoplasmic domains commonly exhibit more polar and sometimes charged amino acids that are compatible with the water-soluble surroundings inside the cell.