What are water channel proteins called?

Water channel proteins are specifically known as aquaporins. These integral membrane proteins facilitate the rapid transport of water molecules across cell membranes while preventing the passage of ions and other solutes. Aquaporins play a crucial role in maintaining water homeostasis in cells and are essential in various physiological processes, such as kidney function and plant hydration.

Glycoproteins, while they may be involved in various cellular functions, are characterized by the presence of carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain but do not specifically facilitate water transport. Transport proteins is a broader category that includes any proteins involved in moving substances across cell membranes, but it does not specifically refer to the channels that exclusively facilitate water movement. Channel proteins are a general term that encompasses various types of channels across membranes, but aquaporins are the specific type of channel proteins dedicated solely to water transport, making them the accurate answer for this question.