Question

Which membrane proteins are involved with the transport of molecules that otherwise would be unable to enter the cell?

a) linker proteins
b) glycoproteins
c) carrier proteins
d) peripheral proteins
e) receptor proteins

Answer 1

Carrier proteins.

Answer 2

Peripheral protein

Answer 3

carrier proteins

Answer 4

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

The membrane proteins involved in transporting molecules that are unable to enter the cell on their own are called carrier proteins. To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options and understand their roles in the cell membrane:

a) Linker proteins: These proteins serve to connect and anchor different components of the cell, such as cytoskeleton filaments, to the cell membrane. They do not facilitate the transport of molecules.

b) Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins are proteins that have attached carbohydrate chains. They have various functions, such as cell recognition and signaling, but they do not directly participate in the transport of molecules.

c) Carrier proteins: Carrier proteins have a crucial role in facilitating the transport of molecules across the cell membrane. They bind to specific molecules and undergo conformational changes, allowing the molecules to move across the membrane.

d) Peripheral proteins: Peripheral proteins are temporarily attached to the surface of the cell membrane, often by interacting with other membrane proteins. They have diverse functions but are not primarily involved in molecule transport.

e) Receptor proteins: Receptor proteins are involved in cell signaling and communication. They detect specific molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, and trigger cellular responses. Although they are not directly involved in facilitating molecule transport, they are essential for cellular communication.

Based on this information, the correct answer is c) carrier proteins. They are specifically designed to facilitate the transport of molecules that otherwise cannot cross the cell membrane on their own.