Question

In: Biology

What are three potential functions of transmembrane proteins and why are they important?

What are three potential functions of transmembrane proteins and why are they important?

Solutions

Expert Solution

Three potential functions of transmembrane proteins are:

1. Transport of molecules across the plasma membrane.

2. They binds to the extracellular signal and act as receptor.

3. They help in attachment of cell to extracellular matrix.

IMPORTANCE OF TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEINS

Cells have transporter for only those molecules, which are important for cellular metabolism. In this way only selected molecules or compounds are allowed to enter into the cell. This is only due to specialised transmembrane proteins which forms transporters. For example- GLUT4 (insulin regulated glucose transporter).

Cell respond to their enviornment. Response to enviornment is necessary for a cell to live. This response is generated by recieving signals from the enviornment. Again receptors of extracellular signals are transmembrane proteins. For example - GPCR (G - protein coupled receptor).

In animals, cells remain attached to extracellular matrix. This attachment keep cells in a particular position. In a tissue cells must remain at fixed position to ensure proper functioning of that tissue. This attachment is also provided by transmembrane proteins. For example - Integrin

Transmembrane proteins also contribute in maintenance of concentration gradients across plasma membranes.


Related Solutions

Discuss the potential fates of transmembrane proteins and explain where you would expect to find a...
Discuss the potential fates of transmembrane proteins and explain where you would expect to find a particular domain of a plasma membrane transmembrane protein based on where this domain was found when the protein was still present at the ER membrane Recall that some (but not most) proteins are brought to the ER lumen via posttranslational translocation. Discuss how this mechanism differs from cotranslational translocation.
What are Nucleic acids? Why are they important? What are some of the important functions of...
What are Nucleic acids? Why are they important? What are some of the important functions of nucleic acids? Give a list of some important nucleic acids.
Why is water so important? What are the functions of water? Name three examples of mineral...
Why is water so important? What are the functions of water? Name three examples of mineral deficiency.
Why is it important to consider perspectives across different ages, and what are three potential factors...
Why is it important to consider perspectives across different ages, and what are three potential factors that may influence the perspectives across different ages?
Why is it important to consider perspectives across different ages and what are three potential factors...
Why is it important to consider perspectives across different ages and what are three potential factors that may influence these perspectives across different ages.
What is the function of proteins and why are they so important? 5. What are symptoms...
What is the function of proteins and why are they so important? 5. What are symptoms of celiac disease and how do you get it? 6. Is it better to be a vegetarian or a carnivore? Explain.
What are the functions of viral structural proteins?
What are the functions of viral structural proteins?
a. What is the resting potential? What characterizes it? Why is it important? b. What is...
a. What is the resting potential? What characterizes it? Why is it important? b. What is the action potential? What characterizes it? Why is it important?
What are four major functions of membrane proteins? How are membrane proteins inserted into the membrane...
What are four major functions of membrane proteins? How are membrane proteins inserted into the membrane - give details of two methods. Give a specific example of a protein that is an integral membrane protein. How can we determine from gene sequence information whether the protein will be an integral membrane protein?
Transmembrane proteins are often found at the boundary of lipid rafts. Considering the physical properties of...
Transmembrane proteins are often found at the boundary of lipid rafts. Considering the physical properties of the proteins and lipids, involved, what is the best explanation for this arrangement? Transmembrane domains are usually either a-helical or b-barrel, but not random coil. Why would the random coil conformation be unstable even if all the residues in the segment are hydrophobic?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT