Question

What type of transport protein is an aquaporin?

Answer 1

Aquaporins:

1. Aquaporins are a type of membrane protein.
2. These work as water channels in the membrane.
3. They help in transporting water molecules and sometimes solutes across the membranes.
4. This type of transport is known as facilitated diffusion.
5. There are almost 8 different types of aquaporins, each having different shapes and affinities.
6. Aquaporins are found in epithelial cells that produce aqueous humor.
7. These pores allow water molecules and prevent other ions.
8. This channel consists of six transmembrane α-helices, with both the amino and carboxyl-terminal on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane.
9. Two of the five loops that connect the six transmembrane helices are extremely hydrophobic.
10. One of these loops is on the intracellular side of the membrane, and the other is on the extracellular side of the membrane.