fructose transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of fructose from one side of a membrane to the other. Fructose exists in a open chain form or as a ring compound. D-fructose is the sweetest of the sugars and is found free in a large number of fruits and honey. [GOC:ai, GOC:mtg_transport, ISBN:0815340729]

Fructose transmembrane transporter activity is a crucial biological process that enables the movement of fructose across cell membranes. This transport is essential for the uptake of fructose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy production or stored as glycogen. Fructose transporters are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the passive diffusion of fructose down its concentration gradient. This means that fructose moves from an area of high concentration (such as the bloodstream) to an area of low concentration (such as the inside of a cell).

The molecular mechanism of fructose transport involves the binding of fructose to a specific site on the transporter protein. This binding event triggers a conformational change in the transporter, opening a channel through the membrane and allowing fructose to pass through. Once fructose has moved across the membrane, it dissociates from the transporter, allowing the transporter to return to its original conformation and bind another fructose molecule.

Several different types of fructose transporters have been identified in various organisms, each with its unique structure, tissue distribution, and kinetic properties. These transporters play critical roles in various physiological processes, including glucose metabolism, fructose homeostasis, and the absorption of dietary fructose.

Defects in fructose transporter activity can lead to various metabolic disorders, such as fructose intolerance, which is characterized by an inability to properly metabolize fructose. Understanding the molecular function of fructose transmembrane transporter activity is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders.
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (5)