The Function and Diversity of Plastid Protein Import Pathways: A Multilane GTPase Highway into Plastids

摘要: The photosynthetic chloroplast is the hallmark organelle of green plants. During endosymbiotic evolution chloroplasts, vast majority genes from original cyanobacterial endosymbiont were transferred to host cell nucleus. Chloroplast biogenesis therefore requires import nucleus-encoded proteins their site synthesis in cytosol. are imported by activity Toc and Tic complexes located within envelope. In addition plants have evolved additional, non-photosynthetic plastid types that essential components all cells. Recent studies indicate various relies on distinct but homologous Toc–Tic pathways specialized specific classes substrates. These different appear be necessary balance physiological role plastids cellular metabolism with demands differentiation plant development.