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What is the role of proteins within a plasma membrane?

3 years ago

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ยท

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T

Talon Jaskolski


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4 Answers

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Parth Verified Sherpa Tutor โœ“

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Proteins have many roles within a plasma membrane. Proteins in the form of carrier proteins are involved in active transport of molecules both in and out of a cell. Porteins in the form of channel proteins are involved in the passive transport of molecules down the concentration gradient (either in or out of the cell). Proteins can also play a key role in cell adhesion (glycoproteins) or cell signalling (glycoproteins).

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Aqeel A Verified Sherpa Tutor โœ“

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Mnemonic (JET RAT)


Junctions โ€“ Serve to connect and join two cells together 

Enzymes โ€“ Fixing to membranes localises metabolic pathways 

Transport โ€“ Responsible for facilitated diffusion and active transport 


Recognition โ€“ May function as markers for cellular identification 

Anchorage โ€“ Attachment points for cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix 

Transduction โ€“ Function as receptors for peptide hormones


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Natalie

Membrane proteins mediate actions that are critical to the survival of biological cells. Membrane-embedded transporters carry ions and bigger solutes across membranes, receptors facilitate cell-to-cell communication, and membrane-embedded enzymes catalyse chemical processes.

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For cell to cell recognition and to allow certain molecules to transport into and out of the cell.

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