Membrane Proteins and Structure Quiz
47 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements about peripheral membrane proteins is FALSE?

  • Their attachment to the membrane can involve hydrogen bonding.
  • They can be attached to the membrane by non-covalent interactions with other membrane proteins.
  • They can be involved in signal transduction pathways.
  • They are typically embedded within the lipid bilayer. (correct)
  • What is the characteristic structural feature that allows for hydrogen bonding within an alpha-helix?

  • The formation of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues.
  • The close proximity of the carbonyl oxygen and amide hydrogen atoms along the helix. (correct)
  • The presence of proline residues, which disrupt the helix structure.
  • The alternating arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids.
  • Which of the following is NOT a method used to predict membrane proteins using sequence analysis?

  • Hydropathy plots.
  • Analysis of amino acid composition.
  • X-ray crystallography. (correct)
  • Helical wheel diagrams.
  • What is the approximate number of amino acid residues required for an alpha-helix to span a membrane?

    <p>20-30 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text specifically mentions the involvement of hydrogen bonds in which structural feature?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it more difficult to predict beta-barrel proteins compared to alpha-helical membrane proteins?

    <p>The hydrophobicity of beta-barrel proteins is not as pronounced, requiring fewer residues to span the membrane. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about alpha-helices is TRUE?

    <p>They are typically comprised of 3.6 amino acid residues per turn. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does hydropathy analysis contribute to the prediction of membrane proteins?

    <p>It identifies regions of a protein that are likely to be embedded within the membrane due to their hydrophobicity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods can restrict the lateral mobility of a protein within a cell membrane?

    <p>Interaction with proteins on the surface of another cell (A), Aggregation of proteins within the membrane (B), Association with peripheral membrane components – extrinsic proteins and polysaccharides (C), All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a signal sequence in a newly synthesized protein?

    <p>To direct the protein to its final destination within the cell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following transport mechanisms involves the use of vesicles?

    <p>Vesicular transport (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism by which a protein is transported across a membrane using a membrane-bound translocator?

    <p>The protein unfolds and translocates through the membrane, followed by refolding after translocation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cellular compartments is NOT directly connected to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

    <p>Mitochondrion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the nuclear pore complex (NPC)?

    <p>To regulate the passage of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cellular compartments contains enzymes that break down cellular waste products?

    <p>Lysosome (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements BEST describes the cellular postcode system for protein targeting?

    <p>Proteins carry a signal sequence that directs them to their specific destination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do cysteine residues rarely form disulfide bridges in the cytosol?

    <p>The lack of an oxidizing environment in the cytosol inhibits disulfide bond formation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of protein modification influences membrane protein mobility by affecting its interaction with the surrounding lipid bilayer?

    <p>Geranylgeranylation (A), Farnesylation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A protein with a C-terminal glycine residue is likely to undergo what type of post-translational modification?

    <p>Farnesylation or geranylgeranylation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the glycocalyx?

    <p>Regulation of protein folding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the presence of disulfide bridges affect membrane protein stability?

    <p>Disulfide bridges increase protein stability by reducing flexibility and promoting proper folding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A researcher is observing the movement of a membrane protein using fluorescently labeled antibodies. The protein appears to move rapidly within the plane of the membrane. What type of movement is the researcher observing?

    <p>Lateral diffusion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the 'flip-flop' movement of proteins across the membrane thermodynamically unfavorable?

    <p>The hydrophilic regions of the protein would have to traverse the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which modification is MOST likely to influence the localization of a membrane protein to a specific membrane domain?

    <p>Farnesylation or geranylgeranylation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the SRP able to recognize a variety of signal sequences?

    <p>The SRP contains a binding pocket that preferentially binds hydrophobic sequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the SRP prevent further translation of the nascent polypeptide?

    <p>The SRP binds to the large subunit of the ribosome, blocking the binding of the next tRNA. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of GTP hydrolysis in the co-translational protein translocation process?

    <p>GTP hydrolysis releases the SRP from the ribosome and the SRP receptor from the translocon. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Sec-translocon in protein translocation across the ER membrane?

    <p>The Sec-translocon provides a channel for the nascent polypeptide to cross the ER membrane. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the signal peptide having a minimally hydrophobic central region?

    <p>The hydrophobic region ensures that the signal peptide is recognized by the SRP. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the SRP receptor in the co-translational translocation process?

    <p>The SRP receptor binds to the SRP and delivers the ribosome to the ER membrane. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the SRP binding to the ribosome before the signal sequence emerges?

    <p>It ensures that the signal sequence is properly targeted to the ER membrane. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the polypeptide synthesis stall when the SRP binds to the ribosome?

    <p>The stalling allows for the SRP to bind to the SRP receptor and deliver the ribosome to the ER membrane. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Sec61/SecY translocon?

    <p>To transport proteins across the membrane. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Sec61/SecY translocon differ from the SRP receptor?

    <p>The Sec61/SecY translocon is a passive pore, while the SRP receptor is an active transporter. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of protein is most likely to have a signal peptide?

    <p>Type I membrane-bound proteins. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do type II and multi-spanning membrane-bound proteins differ from type I proteins in terms of targeting to the secretory pathway?

    <p>Type II and multi-spanning proteins are targeted by their transmembrane domains, while type I proteins are targeted by their signal peptides. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a "stop-transfer sequence" in membrane protein insertion?

    <p>To halt translocation and release the polypeptide chain into the membrane. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Sec61/SecY translocon?

    <p>It is a highly conserved heterotrimeric membrane complex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between co-translational and post-translational translocation?

    <p>Co-translational translocation occurs before protein synthesis is complete, while post-translational translocation occurs after protein synthesis is complete. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Sec61/SecY translocon?

    <p>It is composed of a single polypeptide chain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the role of BiP in protein translocation in Eukaryotes?

    <p>BiP acts as a molecular ratchet, preventing the polypeptide from backtracking through the Sec61 channel. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein translocation?

    <p>Prokaryotic translocation is driven by an electrochemical gradient across the membrane, while eukaryotic translocation is primarily driven by ATP hydrolysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of signal sequences in protein translocation?

    <p>They act as a signal for the SRP to bind to the ribosome, stalling translation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between the Sec and Tat pathways of protein translocation?

    <p>The Sec pathway transports folded proteins, while the Tat pathway transports unfolded. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Assuming a protein with a single transmembrane domain, which of the following combinations of signal sequences and stop-transfer sequences would lead to its correct insertion into the membrane?

    <p>Signal sequence at the N-terminus, stop-transfer sequence at the C-terminus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do Archaea lack SecA and Sec62/Sec63 or BiP, despite also having protein translocation mechanisms?

    <p>Archaea have evolved alternative, yet less understood, protein translocation systems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately reflects the importance of membrane protein transport in eukaryotic cells?

    <p>Membrane proteins are crucial for cell signaling, nutrient transport, and maintaining cellular shape. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Peripheral proteins

    Proteins attached to the membrane through non-covalent interactions with other proteins.

    α-helix

    A right-handed helical structure in proteins with 3.6 amino acid residues per turn.

    β-sheet

    A common secondary structure in proteins formed by hydrogen bonds between different strands.

    Hydropathy plots

    Graphs used to predict hydrophobic regions in membrane proteins based on sequence analysis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Peptide bonds

    Chemical bonds that link amino acids in proteins, characterized by polarity and hydrogen bonding.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Helical wheel diagrams

    Visual representations that help identify and analyze the arrangement of amino acids in helical structures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hydrophobic α-helix

    A segment in proteins that is hydrophobic and spans the membrane, typically 20-30 residues long.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    β-barrel proteins

    Proteins that form a barrel-like shape with 10 residues required to span the membrane, less predictable than α-helices.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lateral Mobility Restriction

    Mechanisms that limit a protein's movement within the membrane.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Membrane Aggregation

    Grouping of proteins within cellular membranes to restrict movement.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Association with Cytoskeleton

    Linkage of proteins to the cell's internal structure to prevent movement.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gated Transport

    Protein movement between cytosol and nucleus via nuclear pore complexes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Vesicular Transport

    Transport of proteins in membrane-bound vesicles between compartments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Transmembrane Transport

    Movement of proteins across membranes using translocators.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cellular Postcode

    The concept that proteins have signal sequences for destination identification.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Signal Sequence

    A tag on newly synthesized proteins indicating their destination.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Co-translational transport

    The process of transporting and embedding proteins into membranes as they are being synthesized.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Signal peptide

    A short peptide sequence that directs the transport of a protein to the membrane.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Signal Recognition Particle (SRP)

    A protein-RNA complex that recognizes and binds the signal peptide to halt translation temporarily.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    SRP receptor

    A protein that binds the SRP, facilitating the docking of the ribosome on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    GTP hydrolysis

    The process that releases the SRP and SRP-receptor from the translocon by converting GTP to GDP.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Translocon

    A channel in the membrane that allows the newly synthesized protein to pass through.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Signal sequence diversity

    The variety of sequences present in ER signal peptides, typically containing non-polar amino acids.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Binding pocket

    The flexible area in the SRP that accommodates various hydrophobic sequences from unfolded polypeptides.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sec61/SecY translocon

    A highly conserved membrane complex that forms a pore for protein translocation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Passive pore

    Sec61/SecY allows molecules to pass but requires energy from active transport for function.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Co-translational translocation

    Movement of polypeptides across membranes occurs while they are being synthesized.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Start-transfer sequence

    The N-terminal signal sequence that initiates the transport of a protein through Sec61/SecY.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stop-transfer sequence

    A second hydrophobic sequence that halts the transport of a protein through Sec61/SecY.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Single-pass membrane proteins

    Proteins that are inserted into a membrane with a single N-terminal segment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Translocon structure

    The Sec61/SecY complex consists of α, β, and γ subunits forming a central pore.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Farnesylation

    A protein modification involving the addition of a farnesyl group, usually at the C-terminus.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Geranylgeranylation

    A lipid modification where a geranylgeranyl group is added to proteins, also primarily at the C-terminus.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Glycosylation

    The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins, mainly found on the exterior of membranes in animal cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Glycocalyx

    A carbohydrate-rich layer surrounding the cell membrane, contributing to cell protection and communication.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Disulfide bridges

    Covalent bonds formed between cysteine residues in proteins, enhancing stability, especially outside cell environments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Protein mobility

    The movement of proteins in the membrane, including lateral diffusion and rotation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lateral diffusion

    The sideways movement of proteins within the lipid bilayer, happening quickly.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reducing environment

    An environment within cells where oxidative bonds, such as disulfide bridges, are less stable due to high levels of reducing agents.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sec61 Channel

    A translocon that facilitates protein translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    BiP Chaperone

    A Hsp70 family member that helps in the folding of polypeptides during translocation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    SecA ATPase

    An ATP-powered protein that drives polypeptide movement in prokaryotes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tat Pathway

    Transports fully folded proteins across membranes using PMF, with TatABC components.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sec Pathway

    Utilizes the Sec61/SecY translocator to transport unfolded proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Electrochemical Gradient

    A difference in charge and solute concentration across a membrane that drives transport.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Membrane Protein Modifications

    Chemical modifications, such as glycosylation and lipid attachments, that alter protein functions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Lecture 3 - Membrane Proteins

    • Membrane proteins make up 25-30% of proteins in humans.
    • Proteins are amphipathic
    • They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
    • Transmembrane proteins have large hydrophobic regions used to interact with the lipid bilayer.
    • Peripheral proteins generally interact with the hydrophilic heads of the phospholipids on the membrane surface.
    • Membrane proteins can have diverse structures: beta-barrels and alpha-helices.

    Mode of Attachment

    • Single or multiple transmembrane alpha-helices in a lipid bilayer.
    • Integral beta-barrels
    • Proteins can be attached via amphiphilic alpha helices partitioning into the cytosolic monolayer.
    • Some peripheral membrane proteins can be linked to an oligosaccharide (GPI - anchored proteins) – which attach to the outside of the lipid bilayer.
    • Peripheral proteins can also be attached non-covalently to membrane proteins.

    General Architecture

    • Integral proteins:
    • Alpha-helix (recognition and receptors)
    • Helical bundles (enzymes, transporters, receptors)
    • Beta-barrel (transporters – channel proteins)
    • Peripheral proteins:
    • Enzymes
    • Anchors
    • Transporters

    H-Bond Satisfaction

    • Right-handed helical structure that repeats every 3.6 amino acid residues.
    • Peptide bonds are polar and need to form H-bonds within an alpha helix.
    • Hydrogen bond forms between the amide group and carboxy group of amino acid residues.
    • This creates stability in the 3D protein structure.

    Predicting Membrane Proteins using Sequence Analysis

    • Many membrane proteins possess alpha-helices that traverse the membrane one or multiple times.
    • Hydropathy plots can help predict 20-30 amino acid sequences.
    • Helical wheel diagrams can assist with identification of peripheral proteins.
    • Beta barrels are more difficult to predict as they only require 10 residues to span the membrane; hydrophobicity is also lower.

    Beta-Barrel Membrane Proteins

    • H-bonds are formed between strands.
    • Often found in bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
    • Transport functions are commonly associated with this type of protein.

    Two Type 9 translocon (T9SS) structures

    • SprA contains 36 beta-strands.
    • Works in conjunction with Sec transport using an additional C-terminal signal sequence.

    Membrane Proteins Form Large Complexes

    • Proteins like ToIC-AcrA-AcrB pump contribute to protein complexes in the membrane.
    • There are complexes in bacterial cell, such as type II secretory systems

    Protein Lipidation

    • S-Palmitoylation
    • N-Palmitoylation
    • N-Myristoylation
    • O-Acylation
    • Farnesylation
    • Geranylgeranylation
    • Cholesterol

    Membrane Proteins can be Glycosylated

    • Many transmembrane proteins in animal cells are glycosylated and found on the external face.
    • This forms the glycocalyx, which contributes to asymmetry.
    • Glycocalyx has various roles including cell protection, cell communication, cell recognition, and immunity.

    Membrane Proteins can be Disulphide Bridged

    • Cysteine residues rarely form disulphides in the cytosol/cytoplasm, but outside facing membrane proteins may have disulfide bridges.
    • This enhances protein stability and improves protein-protein interactions.

    Protein Mobility in Membranes

    • Proteins can move via lateral diffusion in the membrane plane.
    • Rotation about an axis is also possible.
    • Proteins do not spontaneously flip-flop across membranes.
    • Lateral diffusion is evidenced using mouse and human cell fusion

    How to restrict Lateral Mobility

    • Aggregation of proteins in membrane
    • Association with proteins and components within cell like the cytoskeleton
    • Association with membrane extrinsic proteins/polysaccharides
    • Interaction with proteins on the surface of another cell

    Intracellular Protein Transport

    • Proteins can move between cellular compartment via transmembrane, gated, and vesicular transport.

    Co-translational Protein Transport

    • Many proteins need to be transported across the membrane for secretion or to reside in organelles.
    • This process can occur co-translationally (with ribosome to ER) or post-translationally.
    • During co-translational transport, proteins are unfolded and transported.
    • Post-translational transport deals with already fully folded proteins.

    Signal Peptide Features and Function

    • Signal sequence is normally found at the N-terminus
    • Signal peptidases clip away the signal sequence once its function is complete
    • Signal peptides can be internal sequences or a signal patch (sequences).
    • Many organelle proteins start on ER before moving to their final destination

    SRP Overview and Function

    • Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) permits protein functions by binding the ribosome and blocking elongation factors.
    • This stalls polypeptide synthesis and allows time for SRP to bind its receptor and to dock onto the ER.
    • SRP and its receptor play a critical role in signaling.

    The Translocator (Sec pathway)

    • This pathway involves the Sec61 protein complex in eukaryotes and SecY complex in prokaryotes.
    • It's a highly conserved heterotrimeric membrane complex.
    • It forms a pore, acting as a passive gate, for protein transport.
    • It needs to work with other active transport systems to fully function.
    • The channel has two key functions:
      • Transporting soluble polypeptides across the membrane
      • Allow hydrophobic trans-membrane segments of membrane proteins to exit laterally into the lipid bilayer phase.
    • Most proteins in this pathway are co-translationally transported (i.e., while they are still being translated).
    • Some proteins are translocated posttranslationally (after protein synthesis).

    The Tat Pathway

    • The Tat pathway is a distinct protein translocation system for transporting fully folded proteins across membranes in bacteria, archaea, and plant chloroplasts.
    • The TAt system is unique, as it allows for transport of oligomeric/multi-protein complexes; and uses the proton motive force (PMF).

    Multipass Membrane Proteins

    • Multipass membrane proteins have several hydrophobic regions that act as signal sequences and stop-transfer signals.
    • The transmembrane region will stop-transfer, and the next will restart; this helps to make multiple passages of the membrane possible.

    Single Pass Membrane Proteins

    • The N-terminal signal sequence binds to the translocator, and acts as a start-transfer sequence.
    • The rest of the polypeptide chain is transported through the translocator until a stop-transfer sequence is encountered.
    • The N-terminal signal peptide is cleaved.
    • It is also possible for the signal sequence to reside internally and not be cleaved by a signal peptidase; this depends on the flanking amino acids (e.g., positive charges).

    Summary of Membrane Protein Transport Mechanisms

    • 30% of proteins in humans are membrane-bound.
    • Membrane Proteins can be modified and glycosylated.
    • Proteins are targeted to specific locations using signal sequences.
    • Protein transport across ER can be co- or post-translationally.
    • The Tat pathway uses TatABC. This is PMF dependent.
    • Sec pathway uses Sec61/SecY, and is SRP dependent.
    • Signal sequences and Stop/Start transfer peptides control polypeptide translocation and insertion into membranes

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    Test your knowledge on membrane proteins and their structural features with this quiz. Explore topics such as alpha-helices, beta-barrel proteins, and methods for predicting membrane protein characteristics. Challenge yourself with questions regarding hydrogen bonding and transport mechanisms.

    More Like This

    Functions of Membrane Proteins
    6 questions

    Functions of Membrane Proteins

    WellRegardedObsidian1129 avatar
    WellRegardedObsidian1129
    Cell Biology Chapter: Membrane Proteins
    50 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser