Question

What roles do membrane proteins play in making the cell membrane selectively permeable?

Answer 1

Membrane proteins are vital for the selective permeability of the cell membrane, with integral proteins and peripheral proteins facilitating the transport of substances and cell communication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role of Membrane Proteins in Selective Permeability

Membrane proteins play a critical role in maintaining the selective permeability of the cell membrane. The plasma membrane's selective permeability is essential for cellular homeostasis and function. It allows certain substances to enter and exit the cell while blocking others, thereby controlling the internal environment of the cell.

The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins. There are two main types of membrane proteins: integral proteins and peripheral proteins. Integral proteins span the membrane and can form channels to facilitate the passage of molecules or act as carriers to assist in active transport. Peripheral proteins, on the other hand, are associated with the surface of the membrane and can serve as receptors or provide structural support.

These membrane proteins are crucial for various functions, such as transporting ions and nutrients, facilitating cell-to-cell communication, and allowing cells to attach to each other and to the extracellular matrix. Proteins within the membrane may also function as enzymes, catalyzing reactions that are vital to the cell's metabolism and survival.

Answer 2

Cell membranes contain membrane proteins that allows all the interaction that occurs within the cell. It makes the cell membrane selectively permeable because of its characteristics as being fluid or its fluidity which means to say that they can move freely within the lipid bilayer. The membrane proteins can also be stored in the lipid bilayer together with the enzymes. It cannot be denied that membrane proteins have a lot of functions based on its type. They can be integral proteins, peripheral proteins and lipid bound proteins.