Final answer:
The primary function of proteins in the cell membrane is to aid the transport of particles across the membrane, enabling selective permeability and maintaining cellular homeostasis. These proteins operate as channels and pumps, controlling the intake and export of various substances to support the cell's needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the protein in the membrane is primarily c. to help particles move through the cell membrane. These proteins are embedded in the cell membrane and play a crucial role in the selective transport of substances across the cellular barrier. They operate either as channels or pumps, allowing or propelling certain molecules in or out of the cell, thus maintaining the necessary balance of salts, nutrients, and proteins to ensure the survival of the cell and the organism.
Proteins in the cell membrane are of different types, tailored for the transport of specific molecules. Transport proteins such as carrier proteins are especially vital as they bind to specific substances, change their shape, and shuttle the molecules across the membrane. The selectivity of these proteins adds to the overall selective permeability of the plasma membrane, which is critical for the cell to regulate its internal environment efficiently. In addition, the presence of multiple types of proteins enables the cell to manage various substances simultaneously, maintaining homeostasis.
Such proteins can be structural, providing shape and support, or functional, like enzymes accelerating biochemical reactions. The diversity of membrane proteins, including receptors, carriers, channels, and enzymes, underscores their multifaceted functions which are crucial for various cellular processes.