Protein targeting to mitochondria

1. How are proteins targeted to mitochondria?
2. What is required for a protein to be transported into the mitochondria?
3. What is mitochondrial targeting?
4. How proteins are targeted to organelles?

How are proteins targeted to mitochondria?

Proteins are translocated into the mitochondrial matrix space by passing through the TOM and TIM complexes at sites of adhesion between the outer and inner membranes known as contact sites.

What is required for a protein to be transported into the mitochondria?

The import pathway of preproteins is predetermined by their intrinsic targeting and sorting signals. Energy input in the form of ATP and the electrical gradient across the inner membrane is required for protein translocation into mitochondria.

What is mitochondrial targeting?

A canonical mitochondrial localization signal (MLS) or mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) is a short peptide, about 15–70 amino acids long, bearing positively charged basic residues, that directs the transport of a protein to the mitochondria.

How proteins are targeted to organelles?

In eukaryotic cells consisting of many different types of organelles, targeting of organellar proteins is one of the most fundamental cellular processes. Proteins belonging to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), chloroplasts and mitochondria are targeted individually from the cytosol to their cognate organelles.