What is the signal recognition particle (SRP)?
Q: What is the signal recognition particle (SRP)?
A: The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein found in cytoplasm that recognizes and targets specific proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotes and the plasma membrane of prokaryotes.
Q: What happens when the SRP-ribosome complex binds to a cell membrane receptor?
A: When the SRP-ribosome complex binds to a cell membrane receptor, the SRP releases the ribosome and drifts away.
Q: What does the ribosome do after the SRP releases it?
A: The ribosome resumes protein synthesis, but now the protein is moving through the SRP-receptor transmembrane pore.
Q: What is the function of SRP within the cell?
A: SRP directs the movement of proteins within the cell by binding with a transmembrane pore, allowing the protein to cross the membrane to where it is needed.
Q: What is the target of SRP in eukaryotes?
A: In eukaryotes, the target of SRP is the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
Q: Is SRP found in all living things?
A: Yes, SRP is "universally conserved," meaning it is so important that all living things have it in their cells.
Q: Does the composition of the SRP vary greatly between organisms?
A: Yes, despite being universally conserved, the actual composition of the SRP varies greatly between organisms.
