This problem set is a little different, in that it is one large project/problem. To answer it, you must write a short single-spaced typed report of 4-5 pages MAXIMUM. Here is the problem, embedded in a scenario!

Imagine that you are working at a research university. Your boss is a well-known scientist, who is extremely busy. One day he comes to your desk and tells you he has a "special project" for you. One that is due in less than two weeks.

It seems that long ago he agreed to write a scientific review of membrane proteins. It is now coming due, and he has barely begun to think about it. He does know that he wants to focus on an overview of mammalian membrane proteins, with emphasis on their structures, biological roles, mechanisms of action, and, if information is available, link these to any pathological processes/medical applications. He promises you a small, but in your situation useful, bonus if you complete the task on time.

He also notes that you are not just to copy information from a variety of sources, but are to extensively edit/organize it. He leaves the "picky details" up to you, but insists that your project report be organized along the following lines:

An overview of the types of proteins found in membranes, including receptors, channels of various types and mechanisms, pores, and any transporters that you come across.

A detailed summary of structural aspects, written in the language of modern biochemistry and cell physiology, of the above membrane proteins

(Note: he is particularly interested in knowing if various families/types of membrane proteins share common structural elements/themes/motifs etc.)

A detailed accounting of the mechanisms/control features, if known, of each of types of functional membrane proteins