In: Anatomy and Physiology
Describe the functions of the major types of membrane proteins that we talked about receptors, enzymes, ion channels, gated ion channels, cell identity markers, cell adhesion molecules, carriers, and pumps. Understand that these are overlapping functional categories.
Functions of membrane proteins include
Membrane proteins they act as receptors that relay signals between the cells interior and cells exterior environment.They also act as enzymes ,all enzymes are proteins, but all proteins are not enzymes.some of the membrane proteins acts as enzymes . Membrane proteins acting as enzymes have activities like oxidoreductase,hydrolase activity.Membrane proteins also acts as pore form channels that allow the ions to pass through the membrane of the cell.Membrane proteins also acts as gated ion channels that allow the charges ions to pass through the membrane like Na+,K+ etc.Cell membrane proteins acts as cell identity markers that are present on the membrane and they identify the cells and they are specific for entry of the substances.membrane proteins acts as cell adhesion molecules,they involve in binding with other cells in extracellular matrix.They help in stick to eachother and with their surroundings.Membrane proteins they also acts as carriers that is they carry the substance from one side of the membrane to the opposite side.Membrane proteins acts as pumps that is they transport proteins and solutes against concentration gradient.They utilizes energy for the transport against concentration gradient.