Surface proteins What is the function of surface marker proteins like the major histocompatibility complex? 1 Surface marker proteins are enzymes that break down food molecules that are then absorbed. 2 Surface marker proteins are receptors for hormones that then send messages out of the cell. 3 Surface marker proteins are ion channels that allow ions to enter the cell. 4 Surface marker proteins are identifiers that allow the immune system to recognize “self” cells. 5 Surface marker proteins are anchoring proteins that attach neighboring cells to each other. Solution 4. Surface marker proteins are identifiers that allow the immune system to recognize . Surface marker are the marker which are present on the surface of the cell they act like a receptor where the binding of antigen antibody happen which will cause a immune response. The immune system uses these proteins to tell friendly cells from foreign invaders. They are as unique as fingerprints. They play an important role in organ transplants..