Introduction - This script shows the structure of a gramicidin. Gramicidin form water channels in the outer membrane of bacteria. Scroll down until the text corresponding to the view is visible. (based on 1grm, A.L.Lomize et al. Bioorg.Khim 18 182 (1992)).
Gramicidin forms a helical structure in the membrane with a water filled core.
The basic structure is an amphipathic alpha helix with the hydrophobic residues (GREEN) pointing out into the membrane.
The hydrophilic residues (RED) point inward to form the water-filled channel.