Peptides as channel-making ionophores: conformational aspects

The β- and β-helical structures do not appear consistent with the structural data and ion-transport properties of (Ala-Ala-Gly) or (Leu-Ser-Leu-Gly) oligomers. Oligoalanine derivatives also give rise to current fluctuations in bilayer lipid membranes. Bundles of molecules may explain the behavior of these various peptides in membranes.