Uniporter
Uniporter
Uniporter (pronounced: yoo-nee-por-ter) is a type of transport protein that facilitates the movement of a single type of molecule across a cell membrane in a process known as facilitated diffusion. The term "uniporter" is derived from the Latin words "unus" meaning "one" and "portare" meaning "to carry".
Function
The primary function of a uniporter is to transport a specific molecule across the cell membrane down its concentration gradient. This means that the molecule is moved from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Unlike other types of transport proteins, uniporters do not require energy (ATP) to function, making this process a passive form of transport.
Types
There are several types of uniporters, each designed to transport a specific type of molecule. For example, glucose transporters (GLUTs) are a type of uniporter that transport glucose across the cell membrane. Other examples include amino acid transporters and nucleoside transporters.
Related Terms
- Symporter: A type of transport protein that moves two or more different types of molecules across the cell membrane in the same direction.
- Antiporter: A type of transport protein that moves two or more different types of molecules across the cell membrane in opposite directions.
- Active transport: The process of moving molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, which requires energy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Uniporter
- Wikipedia's article - Uniporter
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