Integral and Peripheral Proteins Enable Membrane Structure And Function
- Membrane proteins play diverse and essential roles in the structure and function of biological membranes,
- And are classified based on their position in the membrane and their interaction with its components.
Integral Proteins Have Hydrophobic Regions That Embed Them in The Lipid Bilayer
- Hydrophobic Interaction: These regions interact with the hydrocarbon chains in the membrane’s core.
- Positioning: Integral proteins may span one or both phospholipid layers.
- Transmembrane Proteins: Many integral proteins extend across the membrane, with hydrophilic regions projecting on either side to interact with aqueous environments.
Transport proteins and ion channels are transmembrane proteins critical for regulating the movement of molecules and ions across the membrane.
Peripheral Proteins Are Hydrophilic And Attach to The Membrane’s Surface
- Attachment: They are not embedded in the lipid bilayer but attach to integral proteins or the membrane surface.
- Flexibility: This attachment is often reversible, allowing these proteins to associate and dissociate as needed.
