CHANNEL PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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A channel protein refers to a specialized membrane protein that serves as a channel or a pore across the cell membrane, facilitating the transport of specific substances in and out of cells. Channel proteins are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by controlling the flow of ions, water molecules, and other small molecules across biological membranes.
These proteins form hydrophilic pores that span the lipid bilayer, providing a hydrophilic pathway that permits the passage of selected molecules. They are highly selective, meaning they allow only certain substances to pass through, based on size, charge, or chemical properties.
Channel proteins are classified into different types based on the substances they transport. Ion channels transport ions like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ions across the membrane, thereby regulating the electrical potential and enabling nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Aquaporins, a specific type of channel protein, facilitate the movement of water molecules across membranes. Other channel proteins can transport specific molecules such as glucose, amino acids, or nucleotides.
The opening and closing of channel proteins are typically regulated by various factors, including voltage changes across the membrane, the binding of specific molecules, or changes in the protein's conformation. The regulation of channel proteins allows cells to control the movement of substances across the membrane in response to different physiological conditions.
In summary, channel proteins are integral membrane proteins that form channels or pores, enabling the selective transport of specific molecules or ions across the cell membrane.
Common Misspellings for CHANNEL PROTEIN
- xhannel protein
- vhannel protein
- fhannel protein
- dhannel protein
- cgannel protein
- cbannel protein
- cnannel protein
- cjannel protein
- cuannel protein
- cyannel protein
- chznnel protein
- chsnnel protein
- chwnnel protein
- chqnnel protein
- chabnel protein
- chamnel protein
- chajnel protein
- chahnel protein
- chanbel protein
- chanmel protein
Etymology of CHANNEL PROTEIN
The word "channel" originates from the Middle English "chanel", which comes from the Old French "chanele" or "chanelle", meaning a water conduit or gutter. It traces back further to the Latin word "canalis", meaning "pipe" or "groove".
The term "protein" comes from the French word "protéine", which was derived from the Greek word "protos", meaning "first" or "primary". It was first used by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1838 to refer to specific compounds found in plants and animals.
The combination "channel protein" is a compound term, where "channel" refers to a conduit or passage, and "protein" denotes a biological macromolecule. In the context of biology, channel proteins are membrane proteins that form a channel or pore in the cell membrane, allowing the transport of specific substances across the membrane.
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