The first is that the binding of the terminal phospholipids alters the conformation of the active sites, implying that the tunnel acts as an effector, only allowing the enzyme to be active in certain areas of the cell. The second hypothesis postulates that the tunnel regulates lipid membrane rigidity through its degradation of phenolic hydrocarbons and ability to bind to other lipids. Studies have shown that phenolic hydrocarbons affect the functional and structural properties of cell membranes.
The first is that the attachment of terminal phospholipids changes the shape of the active sites, suggesting that the tunnel functions as a mediator, only permitting the enzyme to be active in specific regions of the cell. The second hypothesis proposes that the tunnel regulates lipid membrane flexibility through its breakdown of phenolic hydrocarbons and ability to bind to other lipids. Research has demonstrated that phenolic hydrocarbons influence the functional and structural characteristics of cell membranes.