MEMBRANE PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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A membrane protein is a type of protein that is anchored to, or embedded within, a biological membrane. Membranes are thin barriers that separate the interior of a cellular compartment from its external environment or separate compartments within a cell. They are primarily composed of lipids, which form a bilayer structure, and embedded within these lipids are various types of proteins, including membrane proteins.
Membrane proteins play crucial roles in maintaining the structural integrity of the cellular membrane, as well as facilitating various essential functions. These proteins have diverse structures and functions, contributing to cellular communication, transport of molecules across the membrane, cellular signaling, and enzymatic activities. They can be classified into several categories based on their structural characteristics and functions.
Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the membrane and can traverse the entire lipid bilayer. These proteins often have hydrophobic regions that interact with the hydrophobic interior of the membrane. Peripheral membrane proteins, on the other hand, are loosely associated with the membrane and do not traverse through it.
The functions of membrane proteins are diverse and include facilitating the transport of ions and molecules across the membrane, serving as receptors for extracellular signals, anchoring the cytoskeleton to the membrane, and participating in cell adhesion. Some membrane proteins also act as enzymes, catalyzing important biochemical reactions.
In summary, membrane proteins are proteins that are integral or associated with cellular membranes. They play crucial roles in maintaining membrane integrity and facilitate various essential cellular functions such as transport, signaling, and enzymatic activities.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANE PROTEIN
- nembrane protein
- kembrane protein
- jembrane protein
- mwmbrane protein
- msmbrane protein
- mdmbrane protein
- mrmbrane protein
- m4mbrane protein
- m3mbrane protein
- menbrane protein
- mekbrane protein
- mejbrane protein
- memvrane protein
- memnrane protein
- memhrane protein
- memgrane protein
- membeane protein
- membdane protein
- membfane protein
- membtane protein
Etymology of MEMBRANE PROTEIN
The word "membrane protein" derives its etymology from its two components: "membrane" and "protein".
1. Membrane: The term "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrana", meaning a thin, pliable layer or sheet. It was first used in English around the 15th century, referring to a thin layer of tissue that covers or lines an organ or structure. In biology, a membrane typically refers to a selective barrier that separates and controls the movement of molecules between different compartments of a cell or between cells and their environment.
2. Protein: The term "protein" originated from the French word "protéine", which in turn derived from the Greek word "prōteios", meaning "primary" or "first quality". The word was introduced in the early 19th century by a Dutch chemist, G.J.
