State the function of membrane transport proteins and differentiate between transporters and channels.
transporter: transfer molecules or ions that fit. Specificity Channel: passageway for certain hydrophilic molecules such as polar/charged
The function of membrane transport proteins is to assist in the movement of molecules across the cell membrane.
Transporters, also known as carriers, bind to specific molecules and undergo conformational changes to transport them across the membrane. They are specific to certain molecules and are capable of transporting them in both directions across the membrane. Transporters are also capable of saturating when all binding sites are occupied, leading to a maximum rate of transport.
Channels, on the other hand, are membrane proteins that form a hydrophilic pore through the lipid bilayer, allowing for the passive diffusion of ions or small molecules down their electrochemical gradient. Channels are selective to specific molecules based on size and charge and are capable of transporting them in only one direction. Channels have a higher capacity for transport than transporters since they are always open and not subject to saturation.
More Answers:
Transporters vs Channels: Differences in Solute Transport through Biological Membranes.The Vital Role of Resting Membrane Potential in Neural and Muscle Function: Explained
Importance of Ion Concentration in Cellular Physiology