Clathrin

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Clathrin

Clathrin (/klæθrɪn/) is a protein that plays a major role in the formation of coated vesicles. Clathrin was first isolated and named by Barbara Pearse in 1975. It forms a triskelion shape composed of three clathrin heavy chains and three light chains.

Etymology

The term "clathrin" comes from the Latin clathrum meaning "lattice", which refers to the lattice-like structure formed by clathrin proteins.

Function

Clathrin is found in virtually all cells and participates in the process of endocytosis where it forms a coated pit on the inner surface of the cell membrane. This pit then buds into the cell to form a coated vesicle, which transports proteins and lipids between cellular compartments.

Structure

The clathrin triskelion is a three-legged structure composed of three clathrin heavy chains and three light chains. Each leg of the triskelion is a heavy chain with a light chain bound to it. The three heavy chains come together at their C-termini to form a hub, while the light chains bind near the N-termini.

Related Terms

  • Endocytosis: A process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.
  • Vesicle (biology and chemistry): A small structure within a cell, consisting of fluid enclosed by a lipid bilayer.
  • Protein: Large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues.

See Also

External links

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