Which type of protein is covalently attached to a lipid tail?

Lipid-anchored proteins are specialized types of proteins that have a covalent attachment to a lipid tail. This lipid attachment allows these proteins to associate with the membrane's hydrophobic interior, enabling them to function in signaling, cell recognition, or as part of larger protein complexes.

The lipid tail helps anchor the protein to the membrane, providing a stable interaction while still allowing some degree of mobility within the membrane. This unique structure is crucial because it allows lipid-anchored proteins to protrude into the extracellular environment while remaining firmly attached to the lipid bilayer.

In contrast, integral membrane proteins span the membrane and are embedded within it, while peripheral proteins associate with the membrane surface but do not penetrate the lipid bilayer. Transmembrane proteins are a subset of integral proteins that specifically cross the membrane, forming channels or receptors. Therefore, it is the lipid-anchored proteins that are distinctly recognized for their covalent linkage to lipid tails, defining their role and functionality in cellular processes.