SURFACE PROTEINS Meaning and
Definition
-
Surface proteins are a category of biomolecules found on the outer surface of cells or cellular components, such as organelles or viruses. They play crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell recognition, adhesion, signaling, and defense mechanisms. These proteins are typically embedded within the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane or reside on the surface of the membrane.
Surface proteins can be classified into different types based on their location and functions. Integral membrane proteins are deeply embedded within the lipid bilayer, with parts of the protein extending outside the cell membrane. Peripheral membrane proteins, on the other hand, are only loosely attached to the membrane and can be easily dissociated.
The functions of surface proteins are diverse and highly specific. They are involved in immune response and defense against pathogens, functioning as antigens or receptors for antibodies. They also facilitate cell-cell adhesion and communication by interacting with proteins on neighboring cells. Surface proteins may act as enzymes, promoting various biochemical reactions, or as transporters, facilitating the movement of substances across the cell membrane.
The structure of surface proteins is highly variable, reflecting their diverse functions. Some proteins have a single pass structure, where they span the membrane only once, while proteins with multiple passes traverse the membrane multiple times. Surface proteins may also have a globular domain that projects outside the cell, enabling them to interact with other molecules or cells.
Understanding the structure and function of surface proteins is crucial for unraveling their roles in cellular processes and developing targeted therapies to manipulate these proteins for therapeutic purposes.
Common Misspellings for SURFACE PROTEINS
- aurface proteins
- zurface proteins
- xurface proteins
- durface proteins
- eurface proteins
- wurface proteins
- syrface proteins
- shrface proteins
- sjrface proteins
- sirface proteins
- s8rface proteins
- s7rface proteins
- sueface proteins
- sudface proteins
- sufface proteins
- sutface proteins
- su5face proteins
- su4face proteins
- surdace proteins
- surcace proteins
Etymology of SURFACE PROTEINS
The etymology of the word "surface proteins" can be understood by breaking it down into two parts: "surface" and "proteins".
The word "surface" originates from the Latin word "superficies", which means "outside" or "upper part". It is derived from the combination of the Latin prefix "super", meaning "above" or "over", and "facies", meaning "face" or "appearance".
The term "proteins" comes from the French word "protéine", coined in 1838 by Dutch chemist Gerardus Johannes Mulder. It is derived from the Greek word "proteios", which means "primary" or "first rank". The concept of proteins was introduced by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1838.
