Final answer:
Integral proteins, also known as membrane-associated proteins, are embedded within the plasma membrane and interact extensively with the membrane lipids. They can function as transporters, channels, or receptors, and are often involved in cellular transport and communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Integral proteins are also known as membrane-associated proteins. These proteins are integrated into the membrane structure, where they interact with the hydrocarbon chains of membrane lipids and can span the entire width of the lipid bilayer. Such proteins play critical roles in cellular processes and typically require the disruption of the membrane by detergents to be removed.
There are two main types of membrane proteins: integral proteins, which span the membrane and may function as transporters or receptors, and peripheral proteins which are loosely attached and may act as enzymes. Integral proteins can have various structures, with some containing multiple segments, alpha-helices, or beta-sheets that anchor them within the membrane. These structures facilitate the protein's alignment with the bilayer's hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, corresponding with the phospholipid heads and tails.