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What is a signal recognition particle? How does it work?

Answer :

A Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) is an essential protein-RNA complex in the biological process of protein synthesis. It plays a crucial role in the targeting of specific proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in eukaryotic cells or to the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells.

Here's how it works, step-by-step:

  1. Protein Synthesis Begins: The newly synthesized protein, destined for the ER or plasma membrane, begins to be translated by a ribosome.

  2. Signal Sequence Emerges: As the protein is synthesized, a specific sequence of amino acids, called the signal peptide or signal sequence, emerges from the ribosome. This sequence acts as a sort of 'address label' indicating that the protein needs to be sent to the ER or plasma membrane.

  3. SRP Binding: The SRP recognizes and binds to this signal sequence. This binding temporarily halts the translation process.

  4. SRP-Ribosome Complex Formation: The SRP, along with the ribosome and the nascent polypeptide, forms a complex that travels to the ER membrane.

  5. Docking at the SRP Receptor: Upon reaching the ER membrane, the SRP-ribosome complex binds to an SRP receptor, which is a protein embedded in the ER membrane.

  6. Protein Translocation: The SRP is released upon docking, allowing the ribosome to attach to a protein translocation channel (also known as the translocon) in the membrane. Unhindered and resumed, translation continues, threading the growing polypeptide through the membrane into the ER.

  7. Completion of Protein Synthesis: Once translation is complete, the protein can fold into its active form inside the ER or be modified for its final functioning location.

This process is crucial for ensuring that proteins reach their correct cellular or extracellular destinations, allowing cells to maintain their functions properly. Disruptions in this process can lead to various cellular dysfunctions or diseases.

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