Joppy said:Do we know roughly what the surface of a protein channel looks like? In most of the diagrams they are depicted as a sort of cylindrical tube with a smooth surface, but I'm curious if there are some more detailed documentations somewhere? For example I know they aren't rigid objects and may be subjected to a sort of 'bending', but I can't find any info on the surface structure.
I like Serena said:Hey Joppy!
Just my 2 cents.
I think they are just large molecules with no particular surface other then some fuzzly-wuzzly feebly-weebly shape.
We would just picture them as cylindrical tubes with some artificial surface details to explain what they do based on what we've observed them to do.
The structure of a protein channel in a membrane is typically a hollow tube made up of amino acids arranged in a specific sequence. This tube is embedded within the lipid bilayer of the membrane and allows for the selective transport of molecules in and out of the cell.
A protein channel in a membrane functions by utilizing specific amino acids that act as gatekeepers to control what molecules can pass through. This allows for the maintenance of a specific internal environment within the cell, while also facilitating the transport of necessary molecules.
The types of molecules that can pass through a protein channel in a membrane vary depending on the specific channel and its location within the cell. Generally, protein channels can transport ions, small molecules, and even larger molecules like proteins or nucleic acids.
The surface of a protein channel in a membrane is determined by the arrangement of amino acids within the channel. This arrangement, along with the size and shape of the channel, determines which molecules can pass through and how they interact with the channel surface.
Protein channels in membranes are crucial for maintaining the proper balance of molecules within a cell and regulating cellular processes. They also play a role in communication between cells and allow for the exchange of nutrients and waste products, making them essential for the survival and function of cells and organisms.