Transport Proteins

Definition

Transport proteins are integral membrane proteins involved in moving ions, small molecules, or macromolecules, such as another protein, across a biological membrane.

Related terms

Active Transport:

This is a process that moves ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.

Passive Transport:

This is a movement of ions and other atomic or molecular substances across cell membranes without need of energy input.

Channel Proteins:

These are special type of transport proteins that form small openings, or channels, in the cell membrane allowing specific molecules or ions to pass through.