Tumor budding

Transmembrane protein is a type of protein that spans the entirety of the biological membrane, with portions of the protein extending past both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers. This arrangement of protein regions contributes to the functionality of the protein in the cellular membrane.

Structure

Transmembrane proteins are composed of three main parts: the intracellular domain, the transmembrane domain, and the extracellular domain. The intracellular domain interacts with the interior of the cell, the transmembrane domain passes through the lipid bilayer, and the extracellular domain interacts with the outside of the cell.

Function

Transmembrane proteins perform a variety of functions necessary for the survival of organisms. They play critical roles in cell adhesion, cell signaling, and the transport of substances across the biological membrane.

Cell Adhesion

Transmembrane proteins such as cadherins and integrins are involved in cell adhesion, a process that is crucial for the formation of multicellular organisms and the functioning of tissues.

Cell Signaling

Transmembrane proteins are also involved in cell signaling. They can act as ligand-binding proteins, enzymes, or G protein-coupled receptors, among other roles.

Transport

Transmembrane proteins are integral to the transport of substances across the biological membrane. They can function as ion channels, carrier proteins, or pumps, facilitating the movement of ions and molecules across the membrane.

Types

There are two main types of transmembrane proteins: alpha-helical and beta-barrel. Alpha-helical proteins are the most common type in animals, while beta-barrel proteins are commonly found in the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

See Also

• Membrane protein
• Peripheral protein
• Lipid bilayer
• Cell membrane

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