You Are Investigating the Interactions of Integrin $\alpha$ And $\beta$ Subunits and Isolate the Extracellular Portion of an Integrin as Subunits

Multiple Choice

You are investigating the interactions of integrin $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits and isolate the extracellular portion of an integrin as a soluble $\alpha$ / $\beta$ heterodimer. The heterodimer lacks the associated transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains normally present as part of the molecule. You experimentally link the $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits at the bases of their legs so that the ligand-binding regions of the $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits approach one another and the legs are in the bent conformation. Which of the following statements is the best prediction of what will happen?

A) The molecules will bind their ligand tightly.
B) The molecules will be unable to bind a ligand.
C) The molecules will be cleaved.
D) The molecules will denature their ligand.
E) The molecules will denature and degrade.