Membrane Proteins
- The phospholipid bilayer carries out the main function of the plasma membrane, providing a barrier to the movement of some substances into and out of the cell
- Additional functions are carried out by proteins in the membrane
- These proteins are grouped into two categories:
- Integral
- These are partially hydrophobic, i.e. they are amphipathic
- They are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer
- They can be embedded across both layers or just one layer
- Peripheral
- These are hydrophilic proteins
- They are attached to either the surface of integral proteins, or to the plasma membrane via a hydrocarbon chain
- They can be inside or outside the cell
- Integral
- The protein content of membranes can vary depending on the function of the cell
- E.g. membranes of the mitochondria and chloroplasts have the highest protein content with their many electron carriers
Membrane protein functions
- Membrane proteins carry out many functions: transport, receptors, cell adhesion, cell-to-cell recognition and immobilized enzymes
Transport
- Transport proteins allow ions and polar molecules to travel across the membrane
- There are two types:
- Channel proteins
- These form holes, or pores, through which molecules can travel
- Carrier proteins
- Carrier proteins change shape to transport a substance across the membrane, e.g. protein pumps and electron carriers
- Channel proteins
- Each transport protein is specific to a particular ion or molecule
- Transport proteins allow the cell to control which substances enter or leave
Receptors
- Receptors are for the binding of peptide hormones, e.g. insulin, neurotransmitters or antibodies
- The binding generates a signal that triggers a series of reactions inside the cell
Immobilised enzymes
- Immobilized enzymes are integral proteins with the active site exposed on the surface of the membrane
- They can be inside or outside the cell
Cell adhesion
- Cell adhesion allows cells to attach to neighbouring cells within a tissue
Cell-to-cell recognition
- Glycoproteins act as cell markers, or antigens, for cell-to-cell recognition
- E.g. the ABO blood group antigens are glycolipids and glycoproteins that differ slightly in their carbohydrate chains
Plasma membrane proteins diagram
Membrane proteins have multiple functions
Examiner Tip
As you go through the biology course you will learn specific examples of how membrane proteins are used; making links between the content here and other sections of the course will make it easier to learn examples of membrane proteins