It is a transport protein that undergoes conformational change (change in shape) when transporting molecules in and out of the cell.
Question
It is a transport protein that undergoes conformational change (change in shape) when transporting molecules in and out of the cell.
Solution
The protein you are describing is known as a transport protein or transmembrane protein. These proteins facilitate the movement of ions, small molecules, or larger substances across the cell membrane. Specifically, they can be categorized into two main types:
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Channel Proteins: These proteins form pores in the membrane and allow specific molecules or ions to pass through by diffusion. They do not necessarily undergo significant conformational changes, but some can open or close in response to specific signals.
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Carrier Proteins: Unlike channel proteins, carrier proteins undergo a significant conformational change when they bind to a molecule on one side of the membrane. This change often results in the molecule being released on the other side of the membrane. An example of this would be glucose transporters which bind glucose, undergo a shape change, and release it inside the cell.
Transport proteins are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in cells by regulating what enters and exits, participating in processes like nutrient uptake and waste removal.
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