Chapter 3, Problem 5TAHL

Summary Introduction

To explain:

How maternal antibodies are transported across the cells lining a newborn's digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Introduction:

The plasma membrane allows the entry of nutrient molecules and the exit of secretory and waste products. The plasma membrane primarily consists of proteins and lipids, and some amounts of carbohydrate. Plasma membrane transporting proteins or carrier proteins across the membrane transfers specific substances that cannot cross the membrane on their own. Each carrier can only transport a specific molecule or group of molecules closely related to it. There are different types of carriers for cells. As a result, the substances they transport can vary selectively across their membranes.