Membrane proteins

These are the proteins which are found integrated in the biological membranes. These
proteins are coded by 20-30% of our genome. These proteins perform many vital
functions. Some are as follows

They help in the transportation of substances across the membrane.

They act as a relay between external and internal environment.
They also constitue enzymes that perform many crucial activities.

Types of membrane proteins

On the basis of their orientation in the lipid bilayer these proteins are of two types.

Integral membrane proteins : These are also known as intrinsic

proteins .They are permanently embedded to the lipid bilayer but their domains
are present on the both sides of membrane.
Peripheral membrane proteins : These are also known as
extrinsic proteins.They are temporarily attached with lipid bilayer.
Lipid associated proteins: They are bound to the lipid bilayer through
lipid and amino acid residues.

Integral membrane proteins

They can not be easily detached from the cell membrane without the use of detergents
that cause the destruction of lipid bilayer. They move more freely and rapidly inside the
cell membrane .
They are classified on the basis of their relationship with the lipid bilayer .
Integral polytopic proteins:They are also known as
transmembrane proteins. They can be beta barrels or alpha helicals.
Integral monotopic proteins:They are attached permanently to only
one side of bilayer and dont span across it.

Peripheral membrane proteins:

They can be easily detached from the bilayer without destroying thebilayer.Their
movement is not as efficient as that of integral proteins.

Receptors proteins
The protein molecule which recieves chemical signals from the outside of the cell. They
are embedded inside the plasma membrane. A specific molecule that attaches to these
membranes receptor are known as ligands.

Structure of receptors
The structure of receptors are very diverse and can be separated into following
categories.

Ionotropic receptors: These receptors are specifically for jet

neurotransmitters.e.g. nicotinic
G protein-coupled receptors: These receptors are mainly for the
attachment of specific hormones and comprises the largest group of receptors.
Enzyme linked receptors:They are known as the insulin receptor.

Genetic disorders:
Many of the genetic disorders are mainly due to the mutation in these receptor genes
which may prove fatal.