citrate transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of citrate, 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboyxlate, from one side of a membrane to the other. [GOC:ai, RHEA:33183]

Citrate transmembrane transporter activity refers to the process by which citrate molecules are moved across cell membranes. This movement is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and energy production. The transporter proteins responsible for this activity are embedded in the cell membrane and utilize a variety of mechanisms to facilitate citrate transport. These mechanisms include:
* **Facilitated diffusion:** This passive transport mechanism relies on the concentration gradient of citrate across the membrane. The transporter protein facilitates the movement of citrate from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, without requiring energy.
* **Active transport:** This mechanism requires energy to move citrate against its concentration gradient, from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. This is often achieved by coupling the movement of citrate with the movement of another molecule down its concentration gradient.
* **Secondary active transport:** This mechanism utilizes the energy stored in the electrochemical gradient of another molecule to drive the transport of citrate.

Citrate transmembrane transporter activity plays a vital role in various cellular processes, including:

* **Citric acid cycle:** Citrate is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, a metabolic pathway responsible for generating energy (ATP) in the form of NADH and FADH2. The transport of citrate into the mitochondria, where the citric acid cycle takes place, is essential for this process.
* **Lipid metabolism:** Citrate is a precursor for fatty acid biosynthesis. The transport of citrate from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm allows for the synthesis of fatty acids.
* **Cellular signaling:** Citrate can act as a signaling molecule, influencing cellular processes such as cell growth and differentiation.

Understanding the molecular function of citrate transmembrane transporter activity is crucial for gaining insights into cellular metabolism, energy production, and the regulation of various cellular processes. Mutations or dysregulation of these transporter proteins can lead to a variety of diseases and disorders.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)