Bacterial membrane; Mitochondrial membrane

Bacterial and mitochondrial membranes are lipid bilayer structures that serve as boundaries for bacterial cells and mitochondria, respectively. The mitochondrial membrane consists of both inner and outer membranes, each containing unique sets of proteins responsible for critical functions such as oxidative phosphorylation, the citric cycle, and transmembrane transport. Bacterial membranes are similarly structured, often with unique proteins such as porins, and play key roles in protection, metabolic regulation, and signaling. Both types are central cellular features rather than singular drug targets, but their individual protein constituents (such as ion channels, transporters, and components of the electron transport chain) often serve as therapeutic targets or disease biomarkers.

Other names

Bacterial membraneMitochondrial membraneMitochondrial inner membraneMitochondrial outer membraneProkaryotic plasma membrane

Disruption of membrane integrity (antibiotics in bacteria); Inhibition of electron transport chain (mitochondrial poisons); Modulation of apoptosis via membrane-bound protein complexes (e.g., Bax/Bcl-2 family interactions with mitochondrial membranes).