Protein sorting

Protein sorting

The process that sends proteins to their target destination so they can perform their function.

Endomembrane system

A network of membranes involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids.

Nuclear envelope

Defines the boundary of the nucleus and regulates the passage of molecules in and out.

Lysosomes

Organelles that degrade macromolecules through enzymatic action.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Involved in the synthesis of lipids and proteins.

Rough ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that synthesizes proteins.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies and sorts proteins and lipids for transport to their destination.

Vesicles

Transport structures that carry substances within a cell.

Free-floating ribosomes

Ribosomes that synthesize proteins for the chloroplast, mitochondria, or nucleus.

Signal sequence (SS)

A short peptide that directs the transport of proteins to their intended locations.

Consequences of impaired protein trafficking

Proteins may fail to reach their functional destinations and remain in the cytosol.

Transmembrane proteins

Proteins that span across the biological membrane, often synthesized in the rough ER.