= Solution
After warming, more labelled <v-SNARE> remains full length: lane 2 is approximately 80–85% of the reference signal, compared with about 40–45% in lane 1. Formation of a protected <SNARE complex> provides a consistent explanation: the susceptible part of <v-SNARE> is less accessible after complex assembly.
Protection is not itself a unique readout of <membrane fusion>. Some <protein> may face the vesicle lumen, and <SNARE complexes> can protect <protein> without proving that the two aqueous compartments have merged. The inference depends on comparing these alternatives with the detergent and partner-free controls.
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