What determines the directionality of nuclear transport?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the factors that influence the direction in which molecules are transported into or out of the nucleus in a cell. This involves understanding the mechanisms and signals that guide the transport processes involved in nuclear transport.
Answer
Ran-GTP gradient determines nuclear transport directionality.
The directionality of nuclear transport is determined by the gradient of Ran-GTP, with high levels in the nucleus and lower levels in the cytosol.
Answer for screen readers
The directionality of nuclear transport is determined by the gradient of Ran-GTP, with high levels in the nucleus and lower levels in the cytosol.
More Information
The GTPase Ran creates a steep gradient across the nuclear membrane, with Ran-GTP enriched in the nucleus and Ran-GDP in the cytosol, driving the direction of molecular transport.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the Ran-GTP and Ran-GDP gradient locations, which leads to misunderstandings about transport direction.
Sources
- Directionality of Nuclear Transport - JoVE - jove.com
- Nucleocytoplasmic transport: Driving and directing transport - cell.com
- The direction of transport through the nuclear pore can be inverted - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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