BSC 2010C Lecture Notes - Blood Plasma, Hemoglobin
Document Summary
Transport proteins are a type of protein that play an important role in moving molecules and ions across cell membranes and throughout the body. These proteins are found in all living organisms and are essential for many biological processes, including metabolism, respiration, and communication between cells. One example of a transport protein is hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. Hemoglobin is a large protein molecule that contains iron and can bind to oxygen, allowing it to be carried through the bloodstream. Once it reaches the tissues, hemoglobin releases the oxygen, which is then used by the cells to produce energy. Another example of a transport protein is albumin, which is found in the blood plasma and is responsible for carrying a variety of molecules, including hormones, fatty acids, and drugs.