?Valinomycin is an antibiotic. It functions by binding \(K^{+}\) ions and transporting

Chapter 12, Problem 138P

(choose chapter or problem)

Valinomycin is an antibiotic. It functions by binding \(K^{+}\) ions and transporting them across the membrane into cells to offset the ionic balance. The molecule is represented here by its skeletal structure in which the end of each straight line corresponds to a carbon atom (unless a N or an O atom is shown at the end of the line). There are as many H atoms attached to each C atom as necessary to give each C atom a total of four bonds. Use the "like dissolves like" guideline to explain its function. (Hint: The -\(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) groups at the two ends of the Y shape are nonpolar.)