English

Noun

membrane protein ‎(countable and uncountable, plural membrane proteins)

1. (biochemistry) A protein that is associated with a biological membrane; association typically refers to either the ability to copurify membrane lipids with said protein or the ability to visualize a physical association in situ.
   • 2000. Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 3.4, Membrane Proteins. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21570/

     Associated with each membrane is a set of membrane proteins that enables the membrane to carry out its distinctive activities.

   • 2015. Liszewski K. "Dissecting the Structure of Membrane Proteins", Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, Mary Ann Liebert, vol. 35, no. 17, page 1

     Membrane proteins, such as receptors, ion channels, and transporters, comprise nearly 30% of all proteins in eukaryotic cells.

Derived terms

• integral membrane protein
• peripheral membrane protein