Transmembrane protein
Transmembrane protein
Transmembrane proteins (pronunciation: trans-mem-brane pro-teins) are a type of protein that spans the entirety of the biological membrane, with portions exposed on both sides.
Etymology
The term "transmembrane" comes from the Latin words "trans", meaning "across", and "membrana", meaning "membrane". The term "protein" is derived from the Greek word "proteios", meaning "primary" or "in the lead".
Definition
Transmembrane proteins are integral membrane proteins that span from the interior to the exterior of the cell membrane or organelle membranes. They play crucial roles in various biological processes, including signal transduction, cell adhesion, and the transport of substances across the membrane.
Structure
Transmembrane proteins have one or several parts that are hydrophobic. These proteins are often composed of three regions: the extracellular region, the transmembrane region, and the intracellular region. The transmembrane region is typically composed of amino acids with nonpolar side chains.
Function
Transmembrane proteins perform various functions necessary for the survival of organisms. They are involved in signal transduction, allowing cells to respond to external stimuli. They also play a role in cell adhesion, helping cells stick together to form tissues. Additionally, they facilitate the transport of various substances across the cell membrane.
Related Terms
- Integral membrane protein
- Peripheral membrane protein
- Lipid bilayer
- Cell membrane
- Signal transduction
- Cell adhesion
- Amino acids
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Transmembrane protein
- Wikipedia's article - Transmembrane protein
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