What are the main structural features of integral membrane proteins, and how do porins differ from the typical structure?
Integral membrane proteins are embedded in the lipid bilayer and usually feature alpha helix structures that stabilize them in the hydrophobic environment. They have at least one transmembrane spanning domain, often connected by loops. Porins are an exception; they have a beta barrel motif formed by anti-parallel beta sheets, creating a hollow cylinder that allows specific polar molecules to pass through.