What are the proteins involved in active transport commonly referred to as?

The proteins involved in active transport are commonly referred to as pumps. This is because active transport requires energy, often in the form of ATP, to move substances against their concentration gradient—from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration. Pumps are specifically designed to facilitate this process, enabling the selective movement of ions and molecules across cellular membranes.

For example, the sodium-potassium pump is a well-known active transport protein that moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, maintaining the necessary concentration gradients that are vital for various cellular functions. The action of these pumps is crucial for processes such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction, highlighting their importance in maintaining homeostasis within cells.

While channels and carriers also play roles in transport, their mechanisms differ from that of pumps. Channels typically allow passive movement of substances along their concentration gradient—this means they do not require energy. Carriers can facilitate both passive and active transport but do not specifically denote the energy-dependent nature of the transport involved in pumps. Receptors, on the other hand, are involved in signal transduction and do not function directly in the transport of substances across membranes.