FIGURE 7.

Proposed sequence for membrane insertion and dimerization of the TP0453 polypeptide. 1, shown are initial electrostatic interactions between the closed form and phospholipids head groups position α7 and α8 proximal to the membrane. 2, α7 and α8 sense transient gaps within the lipid bilayer. 3, α7 and α8 insert into the lipid bilayer, and the molecule adopts the open conformation. 4, adjacent membrane-inserted-monomers dimerize via α8. 5, alternatively, monomers could dimerize before membrane sensing/insertion. In each stage, α7 and α8 are shown in blue and red, respectively.