LEADER PEPTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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A leader peptide is a short sequence of amino acids present at the N-terminal end of a nascent protein during its synthesis. It acts as a regulatory element that controls the folding, targeting, and processing of the protein. The leader peptide is typically removed by specific enzymes called signal peptidases during or after translation, resulting in the mature and functional protein.
In prokaryotic cells, the leader peptide is found in certain mRNAs known as polycistronic mRNAs. These mRNAs contain multiple coding sequences for different proteins arranged in a single transcript. The leader peptide is located upstream to the coding sequence of the protein it regulates. It serves as a signal for the ribosome to pause translation and determine the fate of the nascent protein. In some cases, the leader peptide directs the ribosome to transport the protein to a specific cellular compartment, such as the cytoplasmic membrane or periplasmic space. In other cases, it prevents the translation of downstream coding sequences.
Leader peptides play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including post-translational modification, protein secretion, and regulation of gene expression. They are involved in diverse biological functions, such as the synthesis of antibiotics, cell signaling, and protein quality control. Understanding the function and mechanism of leader peptides is essential for unraveling the complex regulatory networks within cells and can provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting specific proteins or cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for LEADER PEPTIDE
- keader peptide
- peader peptide
- oeader peptide
- lwader peptide
- lsader peptide
- ldader peptide
- lrader peptide
- l4ader peptide
- l3ader peptide
- lezder peptide
- lesder peptide
- lewder peptide
- leqder peptide
- leaser peptide
- leaxer peptide
- leacer peptide
- leafer peptide
- learer peptide
- leaeer peptide
- leadwr peptide
Etymology of LEADER PEPTIDE
The term "Leader Peptide" is derived from the combination of two words - "leader" and "peptide".
The word "leader" has been derived from the Old English word "lǣdere", which means "one who leads or guides". It has the same root as the modern English word "lead", which means to guide or direct a group or an action. In the context of biology, a leader is someone or something that takes the lead or initiates a particular process.
The term "peptide" comes from the French word "peptique", which in turn was derived from the Greek word "peptikos", meaning "digestive". A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are often involved in various biochemical processes and can have diverse functions within living organisms.
