Symporter

Symporter is a type of integral membrane protein involved in transport across a cell membrane. It is a part of the transporter classification database and is classified under the Solute carrier family. Symporters work in the direct coupling of the transport of two or more different molecules or ions in the same direction across a membrane. The movement of one species of ions or molecules is against its concentration gradient, and this movement is powered by the movement of another species down its concentration gradient.

Function

Symporters function by simultaneously binding two molecules or ions from one side of the membrane. The binding of these molecules or ions triggers a conformational change in the symporter protein, allowing the molecules or ions to be transported across the membrane to the other side. This process is driven by the electrochemical gradient of one of the transported species.

Examples

Some examples of symporters include:

• The SGLT family: These symporters transport glucose against its concentration gradient into cells by using the sodium ion gradient across the membrane.
• The POT family: These symporters transport peptides into cells using the proton gradient across the membrane.
• The NSS family: These symporters transport neurotransmitters into cells using the sodium ion gradient across the membrane.

See also

• Antiporter
• Uniporter
• Cotransport
• Active transport
• Passive transport

References

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  Symporter
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  Dr. Robert K. Crane and his sketch for coupled cotransport