ammonium transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of ammonium from one side of a membrane to the other. Ammonium is the cation NH4+ which is formed from N2 by root-nodule bacteria in leguminous plants and is an excretory product in ammonotelic animals. [PMID:17710640]

Ammonium transmembrane transporter activity is a molecular function that describes the movement of ammonium ions (NH4+) across cell membranes. This process is essential for various biological functions, including nitrogen metabolism, pH regulation, and the detoxification of ammonia. Ammonium transmembrane transporters can be classified into two main categories: uniporters and symporters. Uniporters facilitate the passive movement of ammonium ions down their concentration gradient, while symporters couple the transport of ammonium ions with the movement of another molecule, typically a proton (H+). The mechanism of transport varies depending on the specific transporter, but it often involves the binding of ammonium ions to a specific site on the transporter protein. The binding of ammonium ions triggers conformational changes in the transporter protein, which allow the ammonium ions to pass through the membrane. Ammonium transmembrane transporters are found in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, and animals. In humans, these transporters play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ammonia in the body. Dysregulation of ammonium transmembrane transporter activity can lead to various diseases, including hyperammonemia, a condition characterized by high levels of ammonia in the blood. These transporters are also potential targets for drug development, as they can be modulated to treat diseases related to ammonia metabolism.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (3)