What is the role of the proteasome in protein degradation?

The proteasome is responsible for degrading unwanted or damaged proteins in cells.

Proteins are essential molecules that perform a variety of functions in cells. However, sometimes proteins become damaged or are no longer needed, and they must be broken down and recycled. This is where the proteasome comes in. The proteasome is a large protein complex that acts as a garbage disposal system for unwanted proteins.

The proteasome works by recognizing and binding to specific proteins that are marked for destruction. These proteins are usually tagged with a small protein called ubiquitin, which acts as a signal that the protein is no longer needed. Once the proteasome has bound to the tagged protein, it unfolds the protein and breaks it down into smaller peptides. These peptides can then be further broken down into individual amino acids, which can be reused to make new proteins.

The proteasome is essential for maintaining the health and function of cells. If proteins are not properly degraded, they can accumulate and cause damage to cells, leading to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In addition, the proteasome plays a role in regulating important cellular processes such as cell division and DNA repair.

In summary, the proteasome is a crucial component of the cell's protein degradation system. By breaking down unwanted or damaged proteins, the proteasome helps to maintain the health and function of cells.