ABC TRANSPORTERS Meaning and
Definition
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ABC transporters, also known as ATP-binding cassette transporters, are a family of membrane proteins that play a critical role in the transport of various molecules across cell membranes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This complex family of transporters is found in all living organisms and is named after the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) domains, which are highly conserved regions responsible for ATP hydrolysis and energy generation.
ABC transporters utilize energy from ATP hydrolysis to transport a wide range of substrates across the lipid bilayer, including ions, nutrients, toxins, and drugs. They provide a mechanism for active transport, which enables the movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, allowing cells to maintain optimal levels of substrates within the cell or remove harmful substances.
The ABC transporter family consists of multiple subfamilies, each specialized in transporting specific substrates. These include the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and the permease and permease-like transporters. Dysfunction or mutations in ABC transporters can lead to various diseases and disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, Tangier disease, and drug resistance in cancer cells.
The importance of ABC transporters in cellular processes and disease has made them targets for pharmacological intervention. Understanding their structure, function, and substrate specificity offers potential insights into the design of drugs that can modulate their activity.
Common Misspellings for ABC TRANSPORTERS
- zbc transporters
- sbc transporters
- wbc transporters
- qbc transporters
- avc transporters
- anc transporters
- ahc transporters
- agc transporters
- abx transporters
- abv transporters
- abf transporters
- abd transporters
- abc rransporters
- abc fransporters
- abc gransporters
- abc yransporters
- abc 6ransporters
- abc 5ransporters
- abc teansporters
- abc tdansporters
Etymology of ABC TRANSPORTERS
The term "ABC Transporters" in molecular biology is derived from the initials of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters. The name reflects both the function and structure of these proteins. ABC transporters are a large family of membrane proteins involved in the active transport of various substances across cell membranes, utilizing the energy derived from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) hydrolysis. The term "ABC" refers to the ATP-binding cassette domain found within these transporters, which is responsible for binding and hydrolyzing ATP.
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