Proteins Flashcards
What is proteomics
The study of sets of proteins and their properties
What is the proteome ?
The proteome is the entire set of proteins expressed by a genome
Why is the proteome larger than the number of genes ?
Particularly in eukaryotes, because more than one protein can be produced from a single gene as a result of alternative RNA splicing
What are non-coding RNA genes
-Not all genes are expressed as proteins in a particular cell type.
-Genes that do not code for proteins are called non-coding RNA genes
This includes genes that are transcribed to produce;
-tRNA
-rRNA
-RNA molecules that control the expression of other genes.
Why can the set of proteins expressed by a given cell type vary ?
-The set of proteins expressed by a given cell type can vary over time and under different conditions.
Some factors affecting the set of proteins expressed by a given cell type are:
-Metabolic activity of the cell
-Cellular stress
-Response to signalling molecules
-Diseased versus healthy cells
Why do Eukaryotic cells have a system of internal membranes ?
-Eukaryotic cells have a system of internal membranes, which increases the total area of membrane.
-Because of their size, eukaryotes have a relatively small surface area to volume ratio.
The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is therefore too small an area to carry out all the vital functions carried out by membranes
What is the endoplasmic reticulum ?
-The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms a network of membrane tubules continuous with the nuclear membrane.
-Lipids and proteins are synthesised in the ER
What is the Golgi apparatus ?
The Golgi apparatus is a series of flattened membrane discs.
What are lysosomes ?
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing a variety of hydrolases that digest proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates.
What do vesicles do ?
Vesicles transport materials between membrane compartments.
Where are lipids synthesised ?
Lipids are synthesised in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and inserted into its membrane.
What are the types of endoplasmic reticulum ?
Rough ER (RER) has ribosomes on its cytosolic face while smooth ER (SER) lacks ribosomes.
Where does the synthesis of all proteins begin ?
The synthesis of all proteins begins in cytosolic ribosomes
Where are cytosolic proteins synthesised ?
The synthesis of cytosolic proteins is completed there (the cytosol), and these proteins remain in the cytosol
What are proteins produced by ribosomes bound to the ER generally destined for ?
-Insertion into a membrane
-Secretion from the cell
What are examples of secreted proteins ?
Peptide hormones and digestive enzymes are examples of secreted proteins.
What type of post-translational modification do many secreted proteins require ?
-Proteolytic cleavage is another type of post-translational modification.
-Many secreted proteins are synthesised as inactive precursors and require proteolytic cleavage to produce active proteins.
-Digestive enzymes are one example of secreted proteins that require proteolytic cleavage to become active.