What is the primary role of integral proteins in cell membranes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the key functions of integral proteins within cell membranes, specifically identifying their primary role among several given options.
Answer
Movement of molecules and transduction of energy and signals.
The primary role of integral proteins in cell membranes is to enable the movement of molecules across the membrane and facilitate the transduction of energy and signals.
Answer for screen readers
The primary role of integral proteins in cell membranes is to enable the movement of molecules across the membrane and facilitate the transduction of energy and signals.
More Information
Integral proteins are essential components of cell membranes because they assist in various functions necessary for cell survival and communication, including acting as channels and receptors.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse integral proteins with peripheral proteins. Integral proteins span the membrane, whereas peripheral proteins are loosely bound to the membrane surface.
Sources
- What is an integral membrane protein? What is its function? - Socratic - socratic.org
- Role of Membrane Proteins in Physiology - News-Medical - news-medical.net
- 2.6: Membrane Proteins - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
