Did you know…the cell has its own team of protein workers?

There are two types of proteins, integral membrane proteins and peripheral membrane proteins.

Integral membrane proteins are stuck in the membrane. They have at least one hydrophobic (water-fearing) part that keeps them anchored into the membrane. Intergal membrane proteins help connect to other cells. Most integral membrane proteins are partially embeded. The integral proteins that stretch all the way through the membrane are transmembrane proteins. Their job is to transport ions from the outside of the cell to the inside or from the inside to the outside of the cell. They also help the cell membrane maintain its shape.

Peripheral membrane proteins are on the perimeter, outsides and the insides of the membrane. They act as little helpers and messengers.  They help send messages or signals into the cell, help with transporting ion and help the membrane stay intact (structural integrity)

That's it for proteins! But what about carbohydrates and their role in the cell membrane? Stay tuned and come back next week to find out!