Where Are Proteins Synthesized and Routed in a Cell?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the synthesis and routing pathways of different types of proteins within a cell, specifically addressing soluble proteins meant to remain in the cytoplasm, membrane proteins intended for the cell membrane, and soluble proteins meant to be secreted outside the cell. The conversation explores the roles of various cellular organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, in these processes.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that soluble proteins meant to remain in the cytoplasm follow the pathway cytoplasm-ER-Golgi-exocytosis.
  • Others question the logic of exocytosis for proteins that are supposed to remain in the cytoplasm, suggesting a need for clarity on definitions.
  • There is a challenge regarding how membrane proteins transition from the Golgi to the plasma membrane.
  • Participants discuss the wording of the question regarding soluble proteins meant to be secreted, with some noting it specifies secretion outside the cell.
  • Clarifications are sought on whether proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm or the ER, and the role of ribosomes in this process.
  • Some participants confirm that the rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and discuss its appearance due to ribosomes.
  • There is uncertainty about whether all three types of proteins must pass through the rough ER.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the pathways proteins take based on their intended destinations, with no consensus reached on the correct pathways or definitions. Questions remain regarding the synthesis locations and the roles of various organelles.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for specificity regarding the type of ER involved and the organelles where synthesis occurs. There is also ambiguity about the definitions of terms like exocytosis and the implications of protein pathways.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying cell biology, particularly those interested in protein synthesis and cellular processes.

bard
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I have been asked to describe the pathway the following types of proteins follow and where they are synthesized in the cell.

(a) Soluble proteins meant to remain in cytoplasm-

Here wouldn't this follow the pathway cytoplasm-ER-golgi-exocytosis\

(b) membrane proteins meant to remain in cell membrane

this would follow cytoplam-ER-Golgi-plasma membrane

(c) soluble proteins meant to be secreted in the cell

this should follow same as (a)

Now, I am not sure if this is right or if i have adequatley described the pathway. Thanks. o:)
 
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In (a), if they are supposed to remain in the cytoplasm, why would they be exocytosed? Check your definition of exocytosis.

In (b), how are they getting from the golgi to the plasma membrane?

For (c), check the wording of the question. Does it really say secreted in the cell, or does it say secreted from or by the cell?

For all three:
Why did you start with cytoplasm?
Specify which type of ER.
In which organelle is the actual synthesis occurring?

Whether required for the assignment or not, be sure you can give a brief description of what is happening in each organelle where proteins are being processed.
 
Moonbear said:
In (a), if they are supposed to remain in the cytoplasm, why would they be exocytosed? Check your definition of exocytosis.

In (b), how are they getting from the golgi to the plasma membrane?

For (c), check the wording of the question. Does it really say secreted in the cell, or does it say secreted from or by the cell?

For all three:
Why did you start with cytoplasm?
Specify which type of ER.
In which organelle is the actual synthesis occurring?

Whether required for the assignment or not, be sure you can give a brief description of what is happening in each organelle where proteins are being processed.


Actually, for C, it says secreted outisde the cell. Then I believe it would follow the same pathway, Cytoplasm-ER(synthesis of soluble proteins)-Golgi-(the packaging) and then from there sent to other parts of body. And for A, is it that it will stay in the cytoplasm where there are ribosomes that willk sythensize it. I am a bit confused
 
bard said:
Actually, for C, it says secreted outisde the cell. Then I believe it would follow the same pathway, Cytoplasm-ER(synthesis of soluble proteins)-Golgi-(the packaging) and then from there sent to other parts of body.

You already have that proteins are synthesized in the ER, so does it make sense to you that would they start out in the cytoplasm if they haven't been synthesized yet?

To be secreted outside the cell, after they've been packaged by the golgi, they are still inside the cell. How do they get out of the cell?

And for A, is it that it will stay in the cytoplasm where there are ribosomes that willk sythensize it. I am a bit confused

If the protein is synthesized in the ER, why would it need to be synthesized again in the cytoplasm?

However, you are right that ribosomes are involved in the synthesis, but at what step? Do you know the difference between smooth and rough ER?
 
Yes I know that it is the rough endoplasmic reticulum that is involved in protein synthesis
 
bard said:
Yes I know that it is the rough endoplasmic reticulum that is involved in protein synthesis

And do you know why it's called "rough"? In other words, what makes it look rough?
 
The ribosomes are what make it look rough I believe
 
bard said:
The ribosomes are what make it look rough I believe

Right. So when the protein is being synthesized in the ER, that's where and when the ribosomes are doing their job.
 
So then all three instances would have to pass through the rough ER?
 

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