NameBlockDateA Cell Membrane

Diverse Functions of Cell Membrane Proteins

a) Receptor: shaped so that a specific molecule can bind to it. For example, Pygmies are short because their cell membrane receptors for growth hormone are faulty (due to a mutation) and cannot interact with growth hormone. b) Enzyme: proteins that catalyze a specific reaction. For example, they may break down large molecules into smaller pieces that a cell could then use.c) Channel protein: allows a particular molecule or ion to cross the membrane freely as it enters or exit the cell, as long as the central channel is open.d) Carrier protein: a protein that selective acts with a specific molecule or ion and changes shape to carry it across the membrane through the centre of the protein.e) Motor molecule not a membrane protein but part of the cytoskeleton that interacts with membrane proteins to help move things within the cell and move the cell membrane. f) Cell-recognition protein: a glycoprotein that has a unique sequence so that the cell is recognized by the immune system and not destroyed.g) Cell adhesion protein: buttons cells together so that they can form tissues.