Genes, Drugs, and Disease Bacteriorhodopsin Structure
 
 

Bacteriorhodopsin is an integral membrane protein that is found in the membrane of bacteria that harvest light for energy. The protein contains a light absorbing compound called retinal. You have a similar protein in your eye that allows you to see.
  The structure is shown with one layer of phospholipid and several layers of water. The retinal chromophore is Spacefill, colored purple.

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  Determine the location of non-polar, charged, and polar residues. How does the location of these residues differ with respect to soluble proteins. Why does this difference make sense when considering the environment of this integral membrane protein?