Does Cytoplasm Have Protein? 9 Facts You Should Know

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The cytoplasm is a liquid present inside the cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane. Let us discuss whether cytoplasm contains protein or not

The cytoplasm is a gel-like liquid of proteins, salts, and water. It is present external to the nuclear membrane and internal to the cell membrane in each cell. The primary function is to provide a platform for all the organelles and it is also a medium for chemical reactions.

Let us discuss where cytoplasm holds protein in it, why and how cytoplasm has protein, some of its major functions, and other related facts in this article.

Where are proteins found in cytoplasm?

Proteins are macromolecules that are made up of a long chain of amino acids. Let us see where exactly the cytoplasm holds protein inside it.

Proteins are present in the cytosol; the liquid part of the cytoplasm. It is mainly composed of 80% water and also contains salts, proteins, fatty acids, and enzymes in a dissolved state.

The protein holding complex, cytosol is mainly involved in signal transduction between the cell membrane and nucleus. It also transports the metabolites from the production region to other parts of the cell.

does cytoplasm have protein
The cytoplasm of the cell from Wikipedia

What is a cytoplasmic protein?

Cytoplasmic proteins are made in the cytosol of cytoplasm and are transported to the chloroplast, peroxisome, and mitochondrion. Let us see some facts on cytoplasmic proteins.

Cytoplasmic protein is a non-enzymatic adaptor of three SH3 domains and a C-terminal SH2 domain. It plays an important role in regulating protein synthesis. Nck is an example of a cytoplasmic protein that belongs to the kinases family.

The SH2 domain is made up of 10 amino acids and the SH3 domain is made up of 50-60 amino acids. the amino acids interact with tyrosine phosphorylated proteins.

Why does cytoplasm have protein?

The cytoplasm contains all the macro and micronutrients dissolved in it and it also acts as a medium for chemical reactions. Let us see why cytoplasm contains proteins.

Proteins are found in the cytoplasm as they are synthesized in the cytosol and in ribosomes that are present in the cytoplasm. The messenger RNA-mRNA carries information from the DNA and leaves the nucleus, then it goes to ribosomes present in the cytoplasm where the translation; protein synthesis occurs.

The proteins that are synthesized in the cytoplasm form a scaffold called cytoskeleton which provides structure to the cell.

220px Proteinsynthesis
Protein Synthesis in Cytoplasm from Wikipedia

Functions of cytoplasmic protein in a cell?

Cytoplasm is essential in maintaining optimum conditions for all the cell organelles. Let us see the functions of cytoplasmic proteins.

Cytoplasmic proteins play an important role in regulating integrin-mediated signals by linking protein-rich effector molecules to the protein kinase and signaling intermediates that are phosphorylated.

Some other functions of cytoplasmic proteins are:

  • Protein modification – change in the chemical composition of protein
  • Messenger RNA or mRNA degradation– the process help to control gene expression
  • Metabolic process– conversion of food into energy
  • Cell death

Are all proteins found in cytosol?

Cytosol is rich in glucose, amino acids, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and fatty acids. Let us see whether all proteins are present in the cytosol.

Cytoplasmic proteins and membrane proteins are found in the cytosol and translation of all proteins takes place in cytosol. The proteins made in the endoplasmic reticulum get isolated from the cytosol, move into the Golgi apparatus, and are transported to different regions.

Conclusion

Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that contains proteins, sugar, and water. The synthesis of protein takes place in the cytosol of cytoplasm.

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