Erythrocyte glucose transporter

Uniport

• Uniport: A type of membrane transport that involves the movement of a single type of molecule across the cell membrane.

• Example: Erythrocyte glucose transporter (GLUT1)

  • Found in red blood cells.

  • Responsible for moving glucose molecules.

Mechanism of GLUT1

1. GLUT1 is initially open to the outside of the cell.

2. Glucose binds to the GLUT1 transporter.

3. GLUT1 changes its conformation to open to the inside of the cell.

4. Glucose is released into the cell.

5. The release of glucose triggers a conformational change in GLUT1.

6. GLUT1 returns to its original conformation, open to the outside of the cell, ready to bind another glucose molecule.

• Alternating Conformation: Refers to whether GLUT1 is open to the outside or inside of the cell.