SMALL GTPASES Meaning and
Definition
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Small GTPases are a family of proteins that play a pivotal role in various cellular processes by acting as molecular switches. These proteins are classified as members of the superfamily of GTPases and are characterized by their ability to bind and hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate (GTP). The name "small GTPases" refers to their relatively small size compared to other GTPase proteins.
Small GTPases are involved in a wide range of cellular functions, including the regulation of cell growth, cell division, cell motility, and intracellular trafficking. They serve as key signaling molecules that transmit signals from cell surface receptors to the intracellular compartments, orchestrating and coordinating cellular responses.
The activity of small GTPases is tightly regulated by the balance between their active, GTP-bound form and their inactive, GDP-bound form. Activation of small GTPases occurs when they bind GTP, triggering conformational changes and enabling them to interact with downstream effector proteins. Once GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP, the small GTPases become inactive and dissociate from their effectors.
Examples of small GTPases include the Ras, Rho, Rab, and Arf families. Each family has distinct functions and cellular localization, contributing to various aspects of cell biology.
Overall, small GTPases are essential regulators of cellular processes, serving as molecular switches that control a wide array of cellular activities and signaling pathways.
Common Misspellings for SMALL GTPASES
- amall gtpases
- zmall gtpases
- xmall gtpases
- dmall gtpases
- emall gtpases
- wmall gtpases
- snall gtpases
- skall gtpases
- sjall gtpases
- smzll gtpases
- smsll gtpases
- smwll gtpases
- smqll gtpases
- smakl gtpases
- smapl gtpases
- smaol gtpases
- smalk gtpases
- smalp gtpases
- smalo gtpases
- small ftpases
Etymology of SMALL GTPASES
The etymology of the term "Small GTPases" can be broken down as follows:
1. Small: The word "small" derives from the Old English word "smæl" and Middle English word "smal", which means "little in size or amount". This word has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning over time.
2. GTPases: "GTPases" is a combination of two terms, "GTP" and "ases".
- GTP: GTP stands for "guanosine triphosphate", which is a molecule involved in cellular processes for energy transfer. The term "GTP" originated from the initials of guanine triphosphate.
- Ases: The suffix "-ases" is commonly used in biochemistry to denote enzymes or proteins involved in catalyzing specific reactions. It is derived from the Greek word "ásis", meaning "enzyme".
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