membrane protein

USAGE SUMMARY

'membrane protein' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a type of protein that is embedded within or associated with biological membranes. For example, "The structure of the membrane protein was studied using advanced microscopy techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dowhan, W. & Bogdanov, M. Lipid-dependent membrane protein topogenesis.

Nature

Bowie, J. U. Solving the membrane protein folding problem.

Nature

Yin, H. & Flynn, A.D. Drugging membrane protein interactions.

Nature

Workflow to determine genetic mutants detrimental to membrane protein expression.

Nature

Organelles that contain the lysosome-associated membrane protein.

Nature

Outer Membrane Protein Insertion by the β-barrel Assembly Machine.

Princeton University

Membrane protein insertion is a fundamental process in cell biology.

Harvard University

Gialama, D. et al. Development of Escherichia coli Strains That Withstand Membrane Protein-Induced Toxicity and Achieve High-Level Recombinant Membrane Protein Production.

Nature

Soga, H. et al. In vitro membrane protein synthesis inside cell-sized vesicles reveals the dependence of membrane protein integration on vesicle volume.

Nature

Membrane protein isolation is a challenging problem.

Protein Expression and Purification

Popot, J. L. & Engelman, D. M. Helical membrane protein folding, stability, and evolution.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "membrane proteins", specify their location (e.g., plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum) for clarity. This is particularly important in complex biological systems with multiple membrane types.

Common error

Avoid using "membrane protein" when you actually mean a secreted protein. Membrane proteins are embedded in or associated with the cell membrane, whereas secreted proteins are released from the cell. Always confirm the protein's localization before classifying it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "membrane protein" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize a specific type of protein. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig highlight its role in scientific discourse, describing protein function, location, and interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "membrane protein" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used extensively in scientific contexts to describe proteins associated with biological membranes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and useful for identifying a specific class of proteins. Predominantly used in scientific literature, the term serves an informative and descriptive purpose. While its register is formal, the primary function is to categorize proteins based on their location and association with cell membranes. When using "membrane protein", consider clarifying the specific membrane and type of association for precision. Alternatives such as "integral membrane protein" or "peripheral membrane protein" provide further specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integral membrane protein

This term specifies that the protein is permanently embedded within the membrane.

transmembrane protein

Indicates a protein that spans the entire cell membrane.

peripheral membrane protein

Describes a protein that is only temporarily associated with the membrane.

membrane-associated protein

A more general term for proteins linked to the membrane.

outer membrane protein

Specific to the outer membrane of bacteria, mitochondria, or chloroplasts.

inner membrane protein

Specific to the inner membrane of bacteria, mitochondria, or chloroplasts.

cell surface protein

Refers to proteins located on the exterior of the cell membrane.

membrane receptor protein

A protein on the membrane that binds to specific molecules.

lipid-anchored protein

Describes a protein attached to the membrane via a lipid molecule.

membrane glycoprotein

A membrane protein with carbohydrate groups attached.

FAQs

What is the function of a "membrane protein"?

Membrane proteins perform a variety of functions, including transporting molecules across the membrane, acting as receptors for cell signaling, and providing structural support. Their specific function depends on their type and location.

What are some examples of "membrane protein"?

Examples include receptor tyrosine kinases, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, and transport proteins like the glucose transporter GLUT4.

What is the difference between an integral and a peripheral "membrane protein"?

Integral "membrane proteins" are permanently embedded within the lipid bilayer, whereas peripheral "membrane proteins" are only temporarily associated with the membrane, either directly or indirectly.

How are "membrane proteins" studied?

Membrane proteins are studied using various techniques, including X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and biochemical assays. Due to their hydrophobic nature, specialized methods are often required to isolate and analyze them.