DICARBOXYLATE CARRIER Meaning and
Definition
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Dicarboxylate carrier is a term used in biochemistry and molecular biology to refer to a specific type of transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. More specifically, dicarboxylate carriers are proteins that facilitate the transport of dicarboxylic acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
These carriers belong to a larger family of proteins called the mitochondrial carrier family, which are primarily responsible for the transport of various metabolites across the mitochondrial membrane. Dicarboxylate carriers have a particular affinity for transporting molecules with two carboxyl groups (COOH), such as succinate, malate, and oxaloacetate.
The main function of dicarboxylate carriers is to shuttle these dicarboxylic acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is impermeable to such molecules. This transport process is essential for maintaining normal mitochondrial function, as dicarboxylates are intermediates in several vital metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and gluconeogenesis.
The transport of dicarboxylates by these carriers is typically coupled with the exchange of other metabolites, such as phosphate, in a counter-transport mechanism. This allows for efficient energy production and metabolic homeostasis within the mitochondria. Furthermore, dicarboxylate carriers are often regulated by factors such as pH and membrane potential, ensuring that the transport process is tightly regulated and responsive to cellular needs.
In summary, dicarboxylate carriers are transmembrane proteins that play a crucial role in transporting dicarboxylic acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane, enabling proper cellular metabolism and energy production.
Common Misspellings for DICARBOXYLATE CARRIER
- sicarboxylate carrier
- xicarboxylate carrier
- cicarboxylate carrier
- ficarboxylate carrier
- ricarboxylate carrier
- eicarboxylate carrier
- ducarboxylate carrier
- djcarboxylate carrier
- dkcarboxylate carrier
- docarboxylate carrier
- d9carboxylate carrier
- d8carboxylate carrier
- dixarboxylate carrier
- divarboxylate carrier
- difarboxylate carrier
- didarboxylate carrier
- diczrboxylate carrier
- dicsrboxylate carrier
- dicwrboxylate carrier
- dicqrboxylate carrier
Etymology of DICARBOXYLATE CARRIER
The word "Dicarboxylate Carrier" does not have a direct etymology as it is a combination of two terms: "dicarboxylate" and "carrier".
- Dicarboxylate: The term "dicarboxylate" is derived from the combination of two words, "di-" meaning two, and "carboxylate", which refers to the salt or ester of a carboxylic acid. In chemistry, carboxylates have the functional group -COO(-). The word "carboxylate" stems from the term "carboxylic acid", which is derived from the combination of "carboxy" and "lic" (related to the carboxyl group).
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