Clathrin
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
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clathrin
- Wikipedia's article - Clathrin
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