COTRANSPORTER Meaning and
Definition
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A cotransporter, also known as a symporter, is a specialized protein molecule that facilitates the transport of two or more different types of molecules across a biological membrane in a coordinated manner. It uses the energy derived from the movement of one molecule down its concentration gradient to drive the uphill transport of another molecule against its concentration gradient. This type of transport is referred to as secondary active transport as it relies on the energy stored in the electrochemical gradient generated by a primary active transport process, such as the hydrolysis of ATP.
Cotransporters are integral membrane proteins with binding sites that specifically recognize and bind to both the molecule being transported (known as the solute) and the molecule providing the energy (often an ion). This binding triggers a conformational change in the cotransporter protein, leading to the transport of the solute across the membrane. This process can occur in either direction depending on the concentration gradients of the molecules involved.
These transport proteins play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including nutrient absorption in the intestines and kidneys, neurotransmitter uptake, and ion transport in nerve cells. Examples of cotransporters include the sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporters (NKCCs), and sodium-calcium exchangers (NCXs).
Understanding the mechanisms and characteristics of cotransporters is essential in elucidating the physiological and biochemical functions of different cell types and organs as well as in drug design and the development of therapeutic interventions.
Common Misspellings for COTRANSPORTER
- cotransportr
- xotransporter
- votransporter
- fotransporter
- dotransporter
- citransporter
- cktransporter
- cltransporter
- cptransporter
- c0transporter
- c9transporter
- corransporter
- cofransporter
- cogransporter
- coyransporter
- co6ransporter
- co5ransporter
- coteansporter
- cotdansporter
- cotfansporter
Etymology of COTRANSPORTER
The word "cotransporter" is derived from the combination of two elements: "co-" and "transporter".
1. "Co-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "com-" meaning "with" or "together". In English, it is commonly used as a combining form to indicate joint or mutual action or relationship.
2. "Transporter" refers to a noun form of the verb "transport". It stems from the Latin word "transportare", which combines "trans-" (meaning "across" or "over") and "portare" (meaning "to carry"). In English, it refers to something or someone that carries or transfers something from one place to another.
Thus, when combined, "cotransporter" refers to a transport system or protein that facilitates the movement of multiple substances across a biological membrane simultaneously.
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