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Aquaporins are protein molecules embedded in the phospholipid bilayer of some cells. They transport water across the cell membrane.

A certain amount of water can cross the phospholipid bilayer of the membrane, but aquaporins considerably increase the rate of passage of water.

One type of cell in which aquaporins are found is in the epithelium of the human kidney, in the distal and collecting tubules. The antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulates epithelial cells to incorporate aquaporins into their membranes, increasing the uptake of water from the tubule into the cells, and therefore increasing the reabsorption of water into the body.

Aquaporins are also important in plant cells, facilitating the symplastic movement of water through the plant, i.e. the movement of water from cell to cell via cytoplasm.

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10y ago
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5mo ago

Aquaporins are protein channels that allow for the passage of water molecules across cell membranes. They play a crucial role in regulating water balance and maintaining cell hydration levels in various organisms. Aquaporins are essential for processes such as osmoregulation, water transport, and nutrient uptake in cells.

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13y ago

As the name suggests, they're proteins that transport water in and out of the cell, and the do so selectively (meaning a random hydrogen ion won't be meandering through the protein). They actually regulate the flow of water.

If you're studying up on aquaporins and membranes, I'm guessing you know that water can be diffused into or out of the cell. But larger amounts of water travel through aquaporins.

Some aquaporins (aquaglyceroporins) also transfer the solutes in water, solutes that are relatively small (small being a couple of carbons, maybe 6-ish?) and uncharged, though it largely depends on the size of the aquaporin. Examples of solutes include, carbon dioxide, ammonia, urea (the first organic compound synthesized by man, and yes, a compound found in urine), and, as the name suggests, glycerol.

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9y ago

Aquaporins selectively conduct water molecules in and out of cells.

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Q: What is the role of aquaporins in a cell membrane?
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What substance is transported by aquaporins?

Water is the primary substance transported by aquaporins, which are specialized membrane proteins responsible for facilitating the passage of water molecules across cell membranes. Aquaporins play a crucial role in maintaining water balance in cells and tissues.


DOES Aquaporins HELP IN OSMOSIS?

Yes, aquaporins are specialized channels in the cell membrane that facilitate the movement of water molecules through osmosis. These channels help regulate water balance and maintain cell hydration levels in response to changing environmental conditions.


What role do aquaporins play in osmosis?

Aquaporins are specialized proteins that facilitate the movement of water molecules across cell membranes. In the context of osmosis, aquaporins help maintain the balance of water inside and outside of the cell by allowing water to move in and out of the cell freely, promoting osmotic equilibrium. This process is essential for maintaining proper cell hydration and homeostasis.


Materials essential to life processes move across a cell membrane through a variety of methods What cell membrane structure allows water-soluble materials to be passively transported to the cytoplasm?

Protein channels known as aquaporins allow water molecules and other water-soluble materials to pass through the cell membrane via passive transport. Aquaporins form water channels that regulate the flow of water across the membrane, facilitating the movement of essential molecules into the cell.


What gives water the ability to cross the hydrophobic region of a cell membrane when other small polar molecules and ions cannot?

Water is able to cross the hydrophobic region of a cell membrane through specialized protein channels called aquaporins. These channels facilitate the movement of water molecules while preventing the passage of other small polar molecules and ions. Aquaporins selectively allow water to pass through the membrane, maintaining cell homeostasis by regulating water balance.

Related questions

What is aquaporins?

Aquaporins are protein molecules embedded in the phospholipid bilayer (cell membrane ) of some cells. They transport water across the cell membrane.


What are membrane proteins that create a passageway across cell membranes?

Aquaporins


Why does water pass quickly through cell?

it moves through aquaporins in the membrane.


What channel proteins allow water to pass across the membrane?

Aquaporins


What is the relation of aquaporins and active transport?

Aquaporins are specialized channels in cell membranes that facilitate the passive transport of water molecules across the membrane. Active transport, on the other hand, requires energy and specific transport proteins to move molecules against their concentration gradient. Aquaporins play a role in maintaining cell volume and osmotic balance, while active transport mechanisms help regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell.


What substance is transported by aquaporins?

Water is the primary substance transported by aquaporins, which are specialized membrane proteins responsible for facilitating the passage of water molecules across cell membranes. Aquaporins play a crucial role in maintaining water balance in cells and tissues.


What regulates the flow of water through a cell membranes?

The movement of water in and out of cells is regulated by aquaporins, which are specialized water channel proteins embedded in the cell membrane. Aquaporins facilitate the rapid movement of water molecules across the membrane, allowing cells to maintain proper water balance and osmotic regulation.


Water may move through membrane pores constructed by transmembrane proteins called?

Water may move through membrane pores constructed by transmembrane proteins called aquaporins. These proteins facilitate the transport of water molecules across cell membranes, allowing water to move in and out of cells rapidly and efficiently.


DOES Aquaporins HELP IN OSMOSIS?

Yes, aquaporins are specialized channels in the cell membrane that facilitate the movement of water molecules through osmosis. These channels help regulate water balance and maintain cell hydration levels in response to changing environmental conditions.


What role do aquaporins play in osmosis?

Aquaporins are specialized proteins that facilitate the movement of water molecules across cell membranes. In the context of osmosis, aquaporins help maintain the balance of water inside and outside of the cell by allowing water to move in and out of the cell freely, promoting osmotic equilibrium. This process is essential for maintaining proper cell hydration and homeostasis.


Materials essential to life processes move across a cell membrane through a variety of methods What cell membrane structure allows water-soluble materials to be passively transported to the cytoplasm?

Protein channels known as aquaporins allow water molecules and other water-soluble materials to pass through the cell membrane via passive transport. Aquaporins form water channels that regulate the flow of water across the membrane, facilitating the movement of essential molecules into the cell.


What are membrane proteins that create a passageway across cell membrane?

These are called channel proteins, which facilitate the passage of specific ions or molecules across the cell membrane. They can be gated or non-gated, and their structure is such that they form a tunnel through which substances can move in or out of the cell.