Fig. 5
From: Phenylalanine intercalation parameters for liquid-disordered phase domains – a membrane model study
Two modes of Phe intercalation into model membranes. a The intercalation mode involving a Phe monomer. In this mode, the phenyl ring inserts between phospholipid molecules in the Ld phase nearly normal to the membrane surface, which is consistent with the APhe value of 33 ± 2 Å2. Phe may retain its hydration water molecules as shown with dotted traces. b The intercalation mode involving a π − cation complex. In the complex, a cation, e.g. Na+, links the Phe ring and carboxylate group through its first coordination shell [25], which is shown with dotted traces. This is likely to confine the Phe ring in a titlted conformation to the membrane headgroup region, thereby taking up a larger area of 48 ± 3 Å2 as indicated with dashed lines