Abc transporter protein

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ABC transporters are one of the largest families (a superfamily) of transport proteins, that transport a wide variety of molecules ranging from small Ions to large Macromolecules. ABC transporters are typically composed of 4 main domains, these consist of 2 catalytic ATPase domains (also known as ABC) and 2 Transmembrane domains.[1] When ATP binds to the ABC modules, the two domains dimerize, and when ATP is hydrolyzed they dissociate. The conformational change in the ABC transporter results in a change in the membrane itself, revealing a substrate binding site. This is thought to be how ABC transporters move molecules across membranes.[2]

ABC transporters are found in all species of animals, from humans all the way down to simple single-celled microbes.


  2. Alberts, B et al., 2007. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition. Garland Science, pg. 663

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