Biochemistry 3380G Lecture Notes - Lipid Bilayer, Succinate Dehydrogenase, Beta Sheet
6 Dec 2012
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Proteins comprise about the same composition of the cell membrane as do lipids (by mass). Membrane proteins can function as transporters, anchors, receptors, or enzymes for the benefit of the cell. Transporters assist in the transport of specific molecules across the cell membrane (as they are polar and can"t cross the membrane by diffusion). Anchors hold certain molecules in a fixed position on side of the membrane or the other. Receptors (high specificity) cause a signal to be generated that often reaches the nucleus. There is much action that is taking place on the cell membrane! The venoms of poisonous animals contain small peptides, some of which bind to ion channels, disrupting their function. As nerve impulses require the movement of ions across the membrane, the effect of the toxin results in the paralysis of the affected organism. Membrane proteins can be observed in different arrangements across the cell membrane: either as integral membrane proteins or peripheral membrane proteins.
