Peripheral proteins

Definition

Peripheral proteins are a type of protein that is temporarily attached to the lipid bilayer or integral membrane proteins on the cellular membrane. Unlike integral proteins, they do not span the entire membrane and can be easily detached without disrupting the membrane.

Related terms

Lipid Bilayer: A double layer of phospholipids that forms the core structure of all cell membranes, providing a barrier that marks the boundaries of a cell.

Integral Proteins:

Proteins that are permanently attached to the cell membrane and typically span across the entire lipid bilayer, playing critical roles in transport and signal transduction.

Cell Membrane:

The semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, which regulates entry and exit of substances, maintaining the internal environment of the cell