Questions? Comments? Please contact Dr. Phillip McClean or Christina Johnson.

OVERVIEW
Flythrough Tour
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MOLECULAR PROCESSES
Transcription
Regulated Transcription
mRNA Processing
mRNA Splicing
Translation
Lac Operon
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CELLULAR PROCESSES
Protein Trafficking
Protein Modification
Protein Recycling
Insulin Signaling
Constitutive Secretion
Regulated Secretion
Mitochondrial Protein Transport
Mitosis
Meiosis
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CELLULAR ENERGY CONVERSION
Atp Synthase (Gradients)
Electron Transport Chain
Photosynthesis (Light Reaction)
Photosystem II
Glycolysis (Overview)
Glycolysis (Reactions)
Citric Acid Cycle (Overview)
Citric Acid Cycle (Reactions)
Energy Consumption
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HOME > MITOCHONDRIAL PROTEIN TRANSPORT > ADVANCED LOOK > 1.) CYTOSOL
Mitochondrial Protein Transport : Advanced Look --> 1.) Cytosol

The first steps in transporting a protein into the mitochondria occur in the cytoplasm. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.

To see the Flash movie for the following sequence of images, click here.

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized by ribosomes in the cytoplasm, or cytosol, of the cell.

Proteins destined for the mitochondria are identified as such by markers known as signal sequences.

Specialized proteins called chaperones bind to the protein to prevent premature folding and aid in transport to the mitochondria.

Chaperones use the energy from ATP hydrolosis to keep the precursor protein unfolded.

The protein is then guided to the mitochondrial outer membrane.

Special receptors embedded in the outer membrane recognize the protein's signal sequence.

The protein is then transported through pores in the mitochondrial inner and outer membranes. These pores are associated with the receptors and together are known as a protein translocator complex.

NEXT --> 2.) MATRIX

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