pentose transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of a pentose sugar from one side of a membrane to the other. Pentose is a monosaccharide with 5 carbon atoms. [GOC:ai, GOC:mtg_transport, ISBN:0815340729]

Pentose transmembrane transporter activity refers to the movement of pentose sugars across cell membranes. Pentose sugars, such as ribose and xylose, are essential components of nucleic acids, coenzymes, and other important biomolecules. Transmembrane transporters are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the passage of molecules across the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of cell membranes.

Pentose transmembrane transporter activity can be classified into two main types:

1. **Facilitated diffusion:** This type of transport does not require energy and relies on the concentration gradient of the pentose sugar across the membrane. The transporter protein binds to the pentose sugar on one side of the membrane, undergoes a conformational change, and releases the sugar on the other side.

2. **Active transport:** This type of transport requires energy, typically in the form of ATP hydrolysis, to move pentose sugars against their concentration gradient. This allows cells to accumulate pentose sugars even when their concentration is lower outside the cell.

Pentose transmembrane transporter activity is crucial for various cellular processes, including:

- **Nucleic acid synthesis:** Pentose sugars, particularly ribose, are essential building blocks for DNA and RNA.
- **Coenzyme synthesis:** Pentose sugars are incorporated into coenzymes like NAD+, NADP+, and FAD, which are essential for many metabolic reactions.
- **Metabolic pathways:** Pentose sugars are intermediates in several metabolic pathways, such as the pentose phosphate pathway, which produces NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate.

Disruptions in pentose transmembrane transporter activity can lead to various diseases, including:

- **Genetic disorders:** Mutations in genes encoding pentose transmembrane transporters can cause defects in sugar metabolism and transport.
- **Cancer:** Some cancers exhibit altered pentose transporter activity, which contributes to their growth and survival.
- **Infectious diseases:** Some bacteria and viruses require pentose transporters for their survival and proliferation.

Overall, pentose transmembrane transporter activity is a fundamental process that enables cells to acquire and utilize pentose sugars for a wide range of essential functions.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (15)