Ruth,
No, nobody really knows very much about how they work. In particular, some AMPs seem to be able to adapt conformation depending on the organism which is present. "Micro-RNA" loops were being discussed as a possible adaptive mechanism during the conference at Salk on January. I haven't had time to look into this in more detail yet.
* We can help you understand chronic disease, but only your physician is licensed to give you medical care * Always consult your physician before commencing or changing any treatment he/she has prescribed for you
