Characterization and Structural Principles of Membrane Proteins

Abstract

Whereas the primary role of membrane lipids is to provide the structural framework of the biomembrane in the form of a stable bilayer, the proteins provide the active components of the biomembrane. In this chapter we discuss some of the operational principles which have proved useful in understanding the structure of membrane proteins. Specific examples which have provided paradigms are discussed in this chapter, and further examples of membrane proteins are covered in Chapters 6, 8, and 9, which deal with major functional classes of membrane proteins. The interactions between membrane lipids and proteins are summarized in Chapter 5, along with a discussion of the motions of both the lipid and protein components.