Concept
Porin
Outer-membrane channel of Gram-negatives
POR-in
High-yield clue
Loss of outer-membrane porins reduces antibiotic entry and is a classic contributor to carbapenem resistance.
Overview
A channel-forming protein in the Gram-negative outer membrane that lets small hydrophilic molecules, including some antibiotics, cross into the cell. Loss or mutation of porins reduces drug entry and contributes to resistance.
Classification
- Outer-membrane protein
- Beta-barrel channel
- Selective for small hydrophilic solutes
- Gram-negative structure
Lab & identification clues
- OmpF/OmpC channel vocabulary
- Porin-loss reduced-permeability concept
- Outer-membrane-barrier vocabulary
Associations
- Reduced drug uptake resistance
- Carbapenem-resistance contribution
- Works with efflux and enzymes
Commonly confused with
- Efflux pump
- Beta-lactamase
Frequently asked questions
What is Porin?
A channel-forming protein in the Gram-negative outer membrane that lets small hydrophilic molecules, including some antibiotics, cross into the cell. Loss or mutation of porins reduces drug entry and contributes to resistance.
What is the high-yield clue for Porin?
Loss of outer-membrane porins reduces antibiotic entry and is a classic contributor to carbapenem resistance.
What is Porin associated with?
Porin is associated with Reduced drug uptake resistance, Carbapenem-resistance contribution, and Works with efflux and enzymes.
What is Porin commonly confused with?
Porin is commonly confused with Efflux pump and Beta-lactamase.
Original microbiology concept summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC/WHO topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment selection, infection-control instructions, or specimen-handling guidance.