Question

Carrier proteins that transport 2 different types of molecules or ions may be either _________ or antiporters?

1) Symporters
2) Uniporters
3) Antiporters
4) None of the above

Answer 1

Carrier proteins that can transport two different types of molecules or ions at the same time are called symporters if they move substances in the same direction, and antiporters if they move substances in opposite directions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carrier proteins that transport two different types of molecules or ions may be either symporters or antiporters. Symporters carry two different ions or molecules in the same direction across the cell membrane. On the contrary, antiporters transport two different ions or molecules in opposite directions. Uniporters are another type of carrier protein, but they only carry one specific ion or molecule at a time.

It's important to note that these carrier proteins are involved in both passive and active transport processes, depending on whether they require cellular energy (ATP) to function. Examples of antiporter carrier proteins include Na+-K+ ATPase and H+-K+ ATPase, whereas uniporters like Ca2+ ATPase and H+ ATPase carry only a single ion.

Answer 2

Carrier proteins that transport two different molecules or ions in the same direction are known as symporters, which are one of the types of proteins used in active transport. So, the correct option is 1) Symporters.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carrier proteins are specialized proteins that facilitate the transport of ions or molecules across the cell membrane. In active transport, which requires energy, carrier proteins can function as either uniporters, symporters, or antiporters. A uniporter carries one specific ion or molecule, while a symporter transports two different ions or molecules in the same direction.

An antiporter, on the other hand, carries two different ions or molecules in opposite directions. These carrier proteins can also assist in passive transport through facilitated diffusion, which does not require energy. Notable examples of active transport include the Na+-K+ ATPase and the H+-K+ ATPase, both of which are antiporter carrier proteins. In answering the student's question, carrier proteins that transport two different types of molecules or ions may be either symporters or antiporters, where the correct option is symporters.