Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Gramicidin-based Fluorescence Assay; for Determining Small Molecules Potential for Modifying Lipid Bilayer Properties
Published on: October 13, 2010
Synthesis and channel properties of [Tau 16]gramicidin A
R W Roeske1, T P Hrinyo-Pavlina, R S Pottorf
1Department of Biochemistry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Abstract:
Des(ethanolamine)-taurine16-gramicidin A ([Tau 16]gramicidin A) was synthesized by the solid phase method and its channel-forming behavior in planar lipid bilayers was examined. The purified monovalent anionic peptide formed channels when applied to the aqueous compartments on both sides of the bilayer, but not when applied to one side only. The single-channel conductance was measured for KCl concentrations between 0.1 and 1.0 M and was found to be higher than that of gramicidin A in each case. Single-channel lifetimes were similar to those of gramicidin A suggesting that the channels have the beta 6.3 helix structure.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Peptidoglycan Synthesis
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis

