Abstract
The vast majority of the approximately 3000 different proteins required to build a fully functional chloroplast are encoded by the nuclear genome and translated on cytosolic ribosomes. As chloroplasts are each surrounded by a double-membrane system, or envelope, sophisticated mechanisms are necessary to mediate the import of these nucleus-encoded proteins into chloroplasts. Once inside the organelle, many chloroplast proteins engage one of four additional protein sorting mechanisms that direct targeting to the internal thylakoid membrane system.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Cell Nucleus / genetics
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Cell Nucleus / metabolism
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Chloroplasts / metabolism
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Chloroplasts / physiology*
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Intracellular Membranes / metabolism*
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
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Models, Biological
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Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / metabolism*
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Protein Processing, Post-Translational / physiology
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Protein Sorting Signals / physiology
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Protein Transport / physiology
Substances
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Membrane Proteins
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Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins
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Protein Sorting Signals