Question

What are anchoring and recognition proteins?

Answer 1

Plasma membrane:

1. The most widely accepted and most recent theory about the structure of the plasma membrane is the 'fluid mosaic model.'
2. According to this theory, the plasma membrane is primarily composed of lipid and protein.
3. A lipid bilayer encases the proteins and serves as the basic structure.

Anchoring proteins:

1. Anchoring proteins are membrane proteins that bind the cell membrane to other structures, ensuring its position.
2. In the cytoplasm of a cell, the cytoskeleton is a network of supporting filaments.
3. Outside of the cell, other membrane proteins can connect it to extracellular protein fibers that connect it to other cells.

Recognition proteins:

1. Recognition proteins are markers that let immune system cells tell the difference between diseased and healthy cells depending on the presence or absence of specific recognition proteins.
2. Glycoproteins are a type of recognition protein that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.