Transporterfamilien
Transporterfamilien describes groups of membrane proteins that mediate the movement of ions and small molecules across biological membranes. They are essential for processes such as nutrient uptake, waste removal, signaling, and maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis. Transport proteins are typically categorized as channels, carriers (transporters), or pumps, reflecting their primary mechanisms: channels enable passive diffusion through pores, carriers undergo conformational changes to shuttle substrates, and pumps use energy to move substrates against gradients.
Classification within transporter families follows sequence similarity, structural motifs, and evolutionary relationships. Primary active transport uses
Representative families include ABC transporters, which drive efflux of diverse compounds and can contribute to multidrug
The study of transporter families informs physiology, pharmacology, and biotechnology, with implications for drug resistance, nutrient