Antiporter
Antiporter
Antiporter (pronunciation: /ˈæntiˌpɔːrtər/) is a type of membrane transport protein that facilitates the movement of specific substances across a cell membrane in opposite directions.
Etymology
The term "antiporter" is derived from the prefix "anti-", meaning against, and "porter", which refers to a person or thing that carries something. In this context, it refers to the protein's function of carrying substances in opposite directions.
Function
An antiporter operates through a process known as active transport, which requires energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It simultaneously transports one type of ion or molecule across the membrane in one direction while transporting a different ion or molecule in the opposite direction. This process is crucial for maintaining the balance of ions and molecules within the cell, which is essential for its survival and function.
Types
There are several types of antiporters, each of which transports different types of ions or molecules. These include:
- Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX)
- Sodium-hydrogen antiporter (NHE)
- Chloride-bicarbonate exchanger (also known as anion exchanger (AE))
Related Terms
- Symporter: A type of membrane transport protein that transports two or more ions or molecules in the same direction.
- Uniporter: A type of membrane transport protein that transports a single ion or molecule in one direction.
- P-type ATPase: A type of protein that uses ATP to transport ions across a membrane.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiporter
- Wikipedia's article - Antiporter
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