Outer Membrane Porin Protein PorA (PorA)

Outer membrane porin protein PorA is a channel-forming protein found in the outer membrane of certain bacteria. It functions primarily to facilitate the passive diffusion of small hydrophilic molecules across the otherwise impermeable outer membrane barrier. PorA contributes to cellular permeability and can influence susceptibility or resistance to antibiotics by controlling drug entry into cells. In pathogenic bacteria, PorA serves not only as a major surface antigen but also potentially contributes directly to pathogenicity. The presence or absence of porins like PorA can modulate antibiotic resistance profiles by altering how easily drugs penetrate into bacterial cells.

Not applicable (passive diffusion)