The membrane proteins that maintain the shape of the cell membrane, form cell junctions, and allow cells to attach to the extracellular matrix are <u>whole proteins</u>, however, to better understand this answer, we need to know that....
<h3>Membrane proteins</h3>
The plasma membrane contains proteins that are embedded in the lipid bilayer. These perform several functions in the cell, such as:
- Transport of substances
- Enzymatic activities
- and Communication between cells.
The amount of proteins and the types found in the membrane are related to the activity exerted by that cell.
The proteins present in the plasma membrane can be classified into two groups:
- integral proteins
- peripheral proteins.
Integral proteins are those that penetrate the phospholipid bilayer. Integral proteins capable of completely crossing the membrane are called transmembrane proteins. These may cross the membrane one or more times.
Peripheral proteins, in turn, are those that do not penetrate the plasma membrane, with only a weak connection to the membrane being observed. Because of this, peripheral proteins can be easily dissociated from the membrane.
With this information, we can conclude that integral proteins are responsible for the shape of the cell membrane, they are embedded in the lipid bilayer.
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