Figure 6 of Mol Vis 3:3, 1997.


Figure 6a. Model of Ca [12 (R) HETE]2

Each arm of 12 (R) HETE is located to the right and left and is bound to the calcium. Note that the configuration of each 12 (R) HETE is substantially altered upon binding to the calcium ion and represents a more open structure. Each hydrocarbon segment, beyond its hydroxy group, is able to interact (form a hydrophobic bond) with the hydrocarbon chain of a plasma membrane fatty acid ester. In this way two hydrophobic bondings may form simultaneously along each chain. Note that the axis lines for those hydrocarbon segment are nearly parallel. A color legend is shown below.

Model of Ca [12 (R) HETE]2

Figure 6b. Model of Ca [12 (S) HETE]2

The twist of the arms of the 12 (S) HETE isomer, although also more open, do not allow the furthest hydrocarbon segements to be lined up in parallel. This feature of the molecule may make it more difficult for two fatty acid esters to form hydrophobic bonding groups at the same time. A color legend is shown below.

Model of Ca [12 (S) HETE]2

Figure 6c. Model of Ca [8 (R) HHDTrE]2

This structure is similar to Ca [12 (R) HETE]2. Note that the distal hydrocarbon chains from each arm of the 8 (R) HHDTrE form nearly parallel axes allowing for the simultaneous formation of hydrophobic bonds between each hydrocarbon and a phospholipid fatty acid esters. A color legend is shown below.

Model of Ca [8 (R) HHDTrE]2

ColorAtom
BlackCarbon
BlueNitrogen
GreenOxygen
RedPhosphorus
YellowSulfur
LavenderCalcium


Mol Vis 3:3, 1997 [http://www.emory.edu/molvis/v3/whikehart]
©1997 Molecular Vision
ISSN 1090-0535