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permease

biology
Also known as: transport protein

Quick Summary

In biology, a permease is a substance that facilitates the transport of another substance across a cell membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier, controlling what enters and exits the cell. While small, lipid-soluble molecules can pass through the membrane's lipid bilayer, larger, water-soluble molecules and ions require assistance. Permeases are a type of intrinsic protein that acts as a "facilitator," helping these essential substances diffuse across the membrane. This process is crucial for cellular metabolism and survival, allowing cells to absorb nutrients and remove waste products. The term "permease" was first used in 1957.123

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