Target type: molecularfunction
Enables the transfer of sodium ions (Na+) from one side of a membrane to the other. [GOC:ai, GOC:BHF, RHEA:34963]
Sodium ion transmembrane transporter activity refers to the movement of sodium ions across cell membranes. This process is crucial for various cellular functions, including:
1. **Maintaining cell volume and osmotic balance:** Sodium ions are major contributors to the osmotic pressure within cells. By regulating sodium ion transport, cells can maintain their appropriate volume and prevent swelling or shrinking.
2. **Generating membrane potential:** The movement of sodium ions across the membrane creates an electrochemical gradient, which is essential for generating the membrane potential that drives many cellular processes, such as nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction.
3. **Nutrient and waste transport:** Sodium ion transport is often coupled with the transport of other molecules, such as glucose and amino acids. This coupled transport allows cells to take up essential nutrients and eliminate waste products.
4. **Signal transduction:** Sodium ion channels can be activated by various stimuli, including neurotransmitters and hormones. This activation triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events that regulate cell behavior.
5. **Maintaining pH balance:** Sodium ion transport can contribute to pH regulation by influencing the movement of protons (H+) across the membrane.
These functions are mediated by a variety of membrane proteins known as sodium ion transporters. These proteins exhibit diverse structural features and transport mechanisms, but they all share the common function of moving sodium ions across cell membranes.
The specific details of sodium ion transport, including the direction of transport, the type of transport mechanism, and the regulatory factors involved, vary depending on the specific transporter and the cell type. However, the overall importance of sodium ion transmembrane transporter activity in maintaining cellular homeostasis and function is undeniable.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Na(+)/H(+) antiporter NhaA | A Na(+)/H(+) antiporter NhaA that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P13738] | Escherichia coli K-12 |
| Solute carrier family 23 member 1 | A solute carrier family 23 member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UHI7] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-aminoperimidine | 2-aminoperimidine: inhibits bacterial NhaA Na/H+ antiporters; structure in first source | ||
| ascorbic acid | Ascorbic Acid: A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant. L-ascorbate : The L-enantiomer of ascorbate and conjugate base of L-ascorbic acid, arising from selective deprotonation of the 3-hydroxy group. Required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. L-ascorbic acid : The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid and conjugate acid of L-ascorbate. vitamin C : Any member of a group of vitamers that belong to the chemical structural class called butenolides that exhibit biological activity against vitamin C deficiency in animals. The vitamers include L-ascorbic acid and its salt, ionized and oxidized forms. | ascorbic acid; vitamin C | coenzyme; cofactor; flour treatment agent; food antioxidant; food colour retention agent; geroprotector; plant metabolite; skin lightening agent |