Proposed Mechanism for HII Phase Induction by Gramicidin in Model Membranes and Its Relation to Channel Formation

A model is proposed for the molecular mechanism of H_II phase induction by gramicidin in model membranes. The model describes the sequence of events that occurs upon hydration of a mixed lipid/gramicidin film, relating them to gramicidin channel formation and to relevant literature on gramicidin and lipid structure.