Which membrane proteins are completely embedded in the membrane?

Which membrane proteins are completely embedded in the membrane?

• A. Peripheral proteins
• B. Integral proteins
• C. Channel proteins
• D. Receptor proteins

Answer: (B)

Membrane proteins differ in how they relate to the lipid bilayer. Peripheral proteins sit on the membrane surface and can be removed without disturbing the bilayer. Integral proteins are embedded in the membrane because they contain hydrophobic regions that span the bilayer, anchoring them within the membrane so they are fully integrated. This complete embedding distinguishes them from peripheral proteins. Channel proteins are a type of integral protein that forms pores, and receptors can also be integral if they cross the membrane, though not all receptors do. Therefore, the proteins that are completely embedded in the membrane are integral proteins.

Membrane proteins differ in how they relate to the lipid bilayer. Peripheral proteins sit on the membrane surface and can be removed without disturbing the bilayer. Integral proteins are embedded in the membrane because they contain hydrophobic regions that span the bilayer, anchoring them within the membrane so they are fully integrated. This complete embedding distinguishes them from peripheral proteins. Channel proteins are a type of integral protein that forms pores, and receptors can also be integral if they cross the membrane, though not all receptors do. Therefore, the proteins that are completely embedded in the membrane are integral proteins.