Aquaporin

Definition

Aquaporins are protein channels in the cell membrane that facilitate the transport of water molecules in and out of cells. They play a crucial role in regulating water balance within various tissues, including the kidneys.

Related terms

Osmosis:

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Kidney Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood to form urine, where aquaporins play a key role in water reabsorption.

Membrane Permeability: A measure of how easily substances can pass through a cellular membrane, with aquaporins specifically facilitating the passage of water