Carrier protein

Carrier Protein

Carrier proteins (pronounced: /ˈkærɪər ˈproʊtiːn/) are a type of protein that transport specific substances across cell membranes.

Etymology

The term "carrier" comes from the Latin word "carrus" meaning "a vehicle", and "protein" from the Greek word "proteios" meaning "primary" or "in the lead". The term reflects the protein's role in 'carrying' or transporting substances.

Function

Carrier proteins bind to molecules and change their shape to shuttle them across the cell membrane. They are integral membrane proteins; that is, they exist within and span the membrane across which they transport substances. The proteins may assist in the movement of substances by facilitated diffusion (down a concentration gradient) or active transport (against a concentration gradient).

Types of Carrier Proteins

There are several types of carrier proteins, including:

• Ion Channels: These proteins help ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium cross the cell membrane.
• Uniporters: These proteins transport one type of molecule at a time.
• Symporters: These proteins transport two types of molecules at the same time in the same direction.
• Antiporters: These proteins transport two types of molecules at the same time in opposite directions.

Related Terms

• Active transport
• Passive transport
• Facilitated diffusion
• Ion channel
• Uniporter
• Symporter
• Antiporter

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Carrier protein
• Wikipedia's article - Carrier protein

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