Plasma Membrane Proteins and their Function

Question 1

Transporters

Answer 1

Ex: Na+ pump
Function: actively pumps Na+ out of cells and K+ in

Question 2

Ion channels

Answer 2

Ex: K+ leak channel
Function: allows K+ ions to leave cells, thereby influencing cell excitability

Question 3

Anchors

Answer 3

Ex: integrins
Function: link intracellular actin filaments to extracellular matrix proteins

Question 4

Receptors

Answer 4

Ex: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor
Function: binds extracellular PDGF and, as a consequence, generates intracellular signals that direct the cell to grow and divide

Question 5

Enzymes

Answer 5

ex: adenylyl cyclase
Function: catalyzes the production of the small intracellular signaling molecule cyclic AMP in response to extracellular signals