Diversity of Membrane Proteins

What is a membrane protein?

A protein molecule that is attached to, or associated with, the membrane of a cell.

What are the two main types of proteins in the cell membrane?

Integral membrane proteins and peripheral membrane proteins.

Describe integral membrane proteins.

Proteins that are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer and go completely through the membrane layers.

What are peripheral membrane proteins?

Proteins that are indirectly or loosely attached to the surface of the cell membrane and may dip slightly into the lipid bilayer.

What role do cell adhesion molecules (CAM) play?

They are involved in the binding of cells with the extracellular matrix.

Which membrane proteins are enzymatic?

Integral

What is the function of pumps in integral membrane proteins?

They are transporters that actively move ions and/or solutes across membranes.

What is the role of protein-protein interactions (PPIs)?

They are involved in cell-to-cell communication and signaling.

How do channel or carrier proteins function?

Integral - they form a pathway through which ions and molecules can move across a membrane.

What occurs during hormone binding with G-proteins?

Hormones bind to their membrane receptors.