What is the difference between integral and peripheral membrane - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between integral and peripheral membrane proteins and their functions?

Asked by Dmhickman, Last updated: Mar 29, 2024

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5 Answers

W. Wright

W. Wright

Let's see how far my knowledge stretches

W. Wright
W. Wright, Biology student, Biology student, Astoria

Answered Feb 18, 2021

The integral membrane protein is one of the types of membrane proteins that is part of the membrane. It is permanently anchored to the membrane. The peripheral membrane protein is another type of membrane proteins that are just attached temporarily to the integral proteins, and definitely to the lipid bilayer.

The major difference between these two membrane proteins is that the integral proteins are firmly parts of the while bilayer, while peripheral proteins are found on the outer or inner surface of the phospholipid bilayer. Integral proteins are referred to as intrinsic proteins, while peripheral proteins are referred to as extrinsic proteins.

Also, the integral proteins interact more with the lipid layer's hydrophobic core than the peripheral proteins do. The former serve as enzymes, channel proteins, and carrier proteins, while peripheral proteins serve as surface antigens and receptors. In conclusion, integral proteins take about 70 percent of the whole membrane proteins, while peripheral proteins take just 30 percent of them.

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Matz Lewis Clark

Matz Lewis Clark

Traveler and writer by profession.

Matz Lewis Clark
Matz Lewis Clark, College student, Graduation, Orlando

Answered Feb 18, 2021

Peripheral protein is something that you can only find in the phospholipid bilayer's inner and outer surface. When you say integral protein, you mean to say that this is something that can be found in the whole bilayer. Peripheral proteins are sometimes considered to be loosely bound only at the surface of the protein.

When it comes to their membranes, the definition can be the same too. They can also be connected to integral proteins. Integral proteins are going to have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas. This is something that peripheral proteins will not have. The main function of these two types of proteins is to transfer molecules easily.

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Chris Kenway

Chris Kenway

Chris Kenway
Chris Kenway, Content Writer, Jacksonville

Answered Feb 16, 2021

Peripheral protein is located on the phospholipid bilayer. It will be on either the inner or outer surface of that bilayer. Integral protein is in the entire bilayer. It is embedded in the bilayer. There functions also differ from one another. Peripheral protein has the function of controlling what the cell membrane penetrates.

Another function of peripheral proteins is that it forms bonds that are temporary in the cell membrane. Integral protein has the function as acting as an enzyme or a receptor. It sits on the outside of the cell membrane. The integral protein will also function as a linker

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L. Hawkes

L. Hawkes

L. Hawkes
L. Hawkes, Teacher, Memphis

Answered Feb 12, 2021

The significant differences between the integral membrane protein and the peripheral membrane protein include function, location, and the relationship between the membrane and the lipid bilayer. While peripheral proteins are attached inside the membrane by the cytoskeleton, the integral proteins are implanted in the membrane.

A membrane protein belongs to a protein molecule associated with or attached to the membrane of a cell. The collaboration with the lipid bilayer is fragile, as there is no communication with the bilayer's hydrophobic core.

Peripheral proteins are provisionally bound to the lipid bilayer or the integral proteins by combining hydrophobic electrostatic and other non-covalent interactions. In transmembrane proteins, one end relates to the cell interior, while the other touches the exterior.

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dmhickman042067

dmhickman

dmhickman042067
Dmhickman

Answered Mar 08, 2018

Integral proteins reside inside the lipid bilayer that control what penetrate cell membrane. Peripheral proteins acts as enzymes/receptors and sit on outside of cell membrane only
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