The structure of intrinsic membrane proteins

Intrinsic membrane proteins are embedded in the lipid bilayer so that the polypeptides come in contact with the non-polar region of the bilayer. There are two major types of intrinsic proteins: those with most of their mass outside the cytoplasm (Type I) and those with most of their mass inside the cytoplasm (Type II). In the latter group are the membrane transport systems. The anion exchange system of the human erythrocyte is a dimer of band 3 polypeptides. These polypeptides span the bilary, have most of their mass in the cytoplasm, and are glycosylated. About 20-25% of the polypeptide, however, is in the bilayer. Arguments are presented to support the view that the intramembrane segments of the protein are alpha-helical and that the major protein-protein interactions between the subunits are in the cytoplasmic portion of the protein.