Question

You have isolated a protein, JAMP (Just A Membrane Protein), from the plasma membrane of a cell. Describe 3 ways to determine whether JAMP is a transmembrane or peripheral protein.

Answer 1

Ways to determine whether JAMP is transmembrane or peripheral protein:

1) If the protein spans entirely into plasma membrane and form permanent bonds with plasma membrane, then it is Transmembrane protein and if this protein doesn't enter into space of cell membrane and it stays only at the surface of member, then it is Peripheral protein.

2) If the protein helps for the movement of signal molecules from outside(extracellular space) to inside(intracellular space) of the membrane by attaching that signal to itself, then it is Transmembrane protein and if this protein form temporary bonds with plasma membrane and allows cells to coordinate and communicate using protein networks, then it is Peripheral Proteins.

3) If the protein form permanent and stronger bonds with signal proteins and allows them to communicate across the cell, then it is Transmembrane Protein and If it forms temporary and weaker bonds with Peripheral Proteins and allows then to communicate only on outer surface of membrane, then it is Peripheral Protein.