Symporter
Symporter
Symporter (pronounced: sim-por-ter) is a type of integral membrane protein involved in transport across a cell membrane. It functions by simultaneously transporting two types of molecules across the membrane in the same direction.
Etymology
The term "Symporter" is derived from the Greek words "syn" meaning "together" and "portare" meaning "to carry". It refers to the protein's function of carrying two different molecules together in the same direction.
Function
A symporter works in the cell membrane to allow specific types of ions or molecules to move across the membrane. This movement is always in the same direction, either into or out of the cell. The symporter uses the concentration gradient of one of the molecules to power the transport of the other molecule. This process is a type of cotransport or secondary active transport.
Types of Symporters
There are several types of symporters, each transporting different types of molecules. Some examples include:
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter: This symporter transports glucose and sodium ions into the cell.
- Sodium-potassium pump: This symporter moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.
- Hydrogen potassium ATPase: This symporter moves hydrogen ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.
Related Terms
- Antiporter: A type of transport protein that moves ions or molecules in opposite directions across a cell membrane.
- Uniporter: A type of transport protein that moves a single type of ion or molecule in one direction across a cell membrane.
- Cotransport: The simultaneous transport of two or more different molecules across a cell membrane in the same direction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Symporter
- Wikipedia's article - Symporter
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski