Transmembrane protein

Definition

A transmembrane protein is a type of protein that spans across the cell membrane, with parts of it on both the inside and outside of the cell. It acts as a gatekeeper, allowing or blocking the passage of specific substances into or out of the cell.

Related terms

Ion channels: These are specific types of transmembrane proteins that form pores in the cell membrane, allowing for the selective movement of ions across the membrane.

Carrier proteins: These are another type of transmembrane proteins that bind to specific molecules and transport them across the cell membrane.

Receptor proteins: These are transmembrane proteins that receive signals from ligands (molecules) and transmit those signals into the cell, triggering various cellular responses.