I came across the term “carrier proteins”. What are they and are they the same thing as protein channels?
A. They’re probably not the same thing as protein channels. I think they’re types of proteins that carry specific substances across cell membranes or in the blood. Though I’m not sure, maybe I’m thinking of transport proteins. AP A. Here are a few websites i found which help explain the difference between the two. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=mboc4.figgrp.1993 http://au.answers.yahoo.com/answers2/frontend.php/question?qid=20080207214555AARM5G2 So, my understanding is that they are two different types of protein that are involved in different processes. The protein carriers are embedded into the cell membrane and have a very specific shape. They carry molecules that have a complementary shape across the membrane and require energy in the form of ATP to do so. Thus, are involved in active trasnport. Whereas protein channels are used in the process of faciliated diffusion and therefore do not requite the input of energy. Well done on coming here an immediately editing you
