Carrier (noun): A substance that provides a means of transporting something else, especially a microorganism or drug, within the body.
Carrier-mediated transport is a form of active transport, which involves the use of membrane-bound proteins to facilitate the transport of molecules across a cell membrane. The proteins involved in this process, known as carrier proteins, bind to a specific molecule and then change shape, resulting in the molecule being moved across the membrane. This process is essential for the movement of molecules such as ions, sugars, amino acids, and vitamins from one side of the cell membrane to the other.
Carrier-mediated transport has been studied extensively in the field of biology. It has been found to be involved in a variety of physiological processes, including the absorption of nutrients, the elimination of toxins, the regulation of body temperature, and the movement of hormones. In addition, this process is also used to facilitate the transport of drugs and other therapeutic agents within the body.
Carrier-mediated transport is an important component of cellular physiology and is essential for the functioning of cells in the body. In order to better understand the role of carrier proteins in cellular functioning, it is important to understand their structure and function. Carrier proteins are typically made up of transmembrane helices, which form a channel through the cell membrane that allows the passage of molecules. The structure of the carrier protein is important for the efficient transport of molecules across the cell membrane, and mutations in the gene encoding the carrier protein can result in changes in the function of the protein.
In addition, the binding affinity of the carrier protein for the molecule it transports is also important. The affinity of the protein for the molecule is determined by the structure of the molecule, as well as the structure of the protein. Understanding the structure and function of carrier proteins can help in the development of new drugs and other therapeutic agents, as well as the development of treatments for diseases.
In summary, carrier-mediated transport is an important process in cellular physiology, and it is essential for the functioning of cells in the body. The structure and function of carrier proteins is important for the efficient transport of molecules across the cell membrane, and mutations in the gene encoding the carrier protein can result in changes in the function of the protein. Understanding this process can help in the development of new treatments for diseases.
References:
Kraut, J., & Schleif, R. (2004). Carrier-mediated transport of nutrients in eukaryotic cells. Current Opinion in Structural Biology, 14(4), 347-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbi.2004.05.003
Liang, X., & Muallem, S. (2009). Regulatory mechanisms of carrier-mediated transport. Annual Review of Physiology, 71(1), 229-245. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.physiol.010908.163125
Lutz, M. (2013). Carrier-mediated transport in physiology and pharmacology. British Journal of Pharmacology, 170(3), 461-482. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.12265
Pinto, S. L., & Verrey, F. (2010). Molecular physiology of carrier-mediated transport. Physiological Reviews, 90(4), 1439-1487. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00033.2009