Question

Are proteins part of the cell membrane?

Answer 1

Cell membrane:

1. It is also known as the plasma membrane.
2. It is present in all types of cells- plants, animals(as the outermost covering), bacteria, etc.
3. It is a lipid bilayer and is composed of proteins and carbohydrates.

Functions of membrane proteins:

1. Helps in joining two cells together. Example- Cadherins.
2. Some of them act as enzymes. Example- oxidoreductase, hydrolase (important in Electron Transport Chain).
3. Helps in the transportation of water. Example-aquaporins.
4. In signal transduction. Example- G-proteins.
5. Therefore, it can be said that proteins are an important part of the cell membrane.