Major Classes of Membrane Proteins
- Receptor proteins bind extracellular signaling molecules so the cell can detect outside information and respond inside the cell.
- Enzymes are proteins that speed chemical reactions.
- Membrane enzymes can support functions such as energy use and digestion, depending on the specific enzyme.
- Pumps are membrane proteins that use energy to move ions or small molecules across the cell membrane.
- Channels are membrane proteins that let selected ions or small molecules move across the membrane without direct energy use.
- Linker proteins connect the cell to the extracellular matrix.
- Structural proteins help attach neighboring cells to each other.
- The major membrane protein classes show why the plasma membrane functions as a selective barrier, signaling surface, transporter, anchor, and structural organizer.
Use Hide Bold Terms to cover authored terms, or Hide Every Word to cover every word in the block. Show One reveals the next hidden term or word in reading order without expanding the whole block. In Hide Main, hover a visible term to preview the full bullet.