What characterizes transport proteins in the membrane?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the characteristics of transport proteins in cellular membranes, focusing on their specificity, energy requirement, and interaction with molecules. It requires an understanding of the functions and properties of transport proteins.
Answer
Membrane transport proteins facilitate diffusion and active transport of substances.
Transport proteins in membranes can be characterized as integral and transmembrane proteins. They either facilitate diffusion through channels and pores or conduct active transport using metabolic energy.
Answer for screen readers
Transport proteins in membranes can be characterized as integral and transmembrane proteins. They either facilitate diffusion through channels and pores or conduct active transport using metabolic energy.
More Information
Transport proteins can be channel proteins, which allow passive movement along the concentration gradient, or carrier proteins, which may require energy (ATP) for active transport against the gradient.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all transport proteins require energy. Passive transport does not require energy and involves movement along the concentration gradient.
Sources
- Principles of Membrane Transport - Molecular Biology of the Cell - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Membrane transport protein - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Membrane Transport Protein - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
