Transport and Sorting of Proteins to Organelles

These flashcards summarize key vocabulary related to the transport and sorting of proteins to organelles as covered in the lecture.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membrane-bound organelle involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids, linked to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for energy production, containing inner and outer membranes, with specific import pathways for proteins.

Chaperones

Proteins that assist in the folding and import of other proteins, keeping them in an unfolded state during transport.

Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC)

A large protein complex that spans the nuclear envelope, allowing the transport of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Importin

A nuclear transport receptor that binds to nuclear localization signals (NLS) to facilitate the transport of proteins into the nucleus.

Exportin

A nuclear transport receptor involved in nuclear export, binding to nuclear export signals (NES).

Ran-GTP

A small GTPase that plays a key role in the directionality of transport across the nuclear envelope, facilitating the release of cargo from importins.

FG Nucleoporins

Proteins that form a hydrophilic mesh within nuclear pores, playing a crucial role in transport and signal recognition.

Matrix-Targeting Sequence

A specific signal sequence required for the import of proteins into the mitochondrial matrix.

Proton Motive Force

An electrochemical gradient generated by the electron transport chain, used to drive ATP synthesis in mitochondria.