Which is an integral membrane protein that forms the tetramer and facilitates the diffusion of water and some small, unmodified solutes across cellular membranes?

Key Points

• Aquaporins are integral membrane proteins that form tetramers in the cell membrane.
• They facilitate the diffusion of water and some small, unmodified solutes across cellular membranes.
• They play a crucial role in the regulation of water balance in various tissues and organs.
• Aquaporins are found in a variety of organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms.

Additional Information

• The discovery of aquaporins was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003 to Peter Agre.
• Aquaporins are also involved in various physiological processes such as kidney function, brain water homeostasis, and plant water transport.
• There are several types of aquaporins, each with specific functions and regulatory mechanisms.
• Mutations or malfunctions in aquaporins can lead to various medical conditions, including diabetes insipidus and brain edema.