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20 votes
20 votes
3. What is the purpose of having so many different kinds of proteins on the

surface of cells? How does the cell know how to make those proteins (where is
the "recipe") and how are those proteins made?

User Bangdel
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1 Answer

14 votes
14 votes

Answer: See Below

Step-by-step explanation:

The proteins on the cells surface are vital for numerous cellular processes. They can be used to intake or export nutrients and waste. They can also be use for ligand-receptor binding for cell to cell signaling. Proteins on the surface also act to regulate gene expression based on all kinds of different environmental stimuli.

The recipe for these proteins are in the DNA of the cell. All of the cells in our body contain essentially the exact same DNA. Cells differentiate by various gene regulation mechanisms. Cells in our body will have different types of proteins depending on the type of cell that they are. Gene expression for these surface proteins is highly specific and is governed by various regulatory mechanisms such as activators and repressors.

If a surface protein is needed then it will be transcribed into mRNA and then translated into a protein and transported to its proper location within the cell membrane.

User Ckersch
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