Hi everyone!
How are ion channels + gated ion channels and channel proteins + carrier proteins related? I assume they're all different classifications of transport proteins, but I don't really understand how they overlap and connect (if at all) and the exact distinctions they each have. For example, are carrier proteins a form of gated ion channel? How so? It's all quite confusing to me.
I don't know how much detail is needed for the new study design, so please bear with me -- hopefully somebody more learned can come along and help. At least in my study design, I was never asked too much detail on these.
There are two types of transport proteins, being carrier proteins and channel proteins.
Carrier proteins are glycoproteins embedded in the cell membrane that carry specific large molecules.. The solute will bind to one side of the carrier protein. The carrier protein will move shape in a way that will move the solute into the cell, where it is then released (the mechanisms of how exactly are beyond VCE). Carrier proteins can move items passively (via facilitated diffusion) or through through active transport. This means that it can move against the concentration gradient.
Channel proteins are lipoproteins embedded in the cell membrane.Rather than allowing the substance to bind to them, they have a pore which substances travel through. They can only undergo passive transport (via facilitated diffusion), so they cannot go against the concentration gradient. Some of these channel proteins also carry ions, which is where ion channels come in.