SecY Complex
Protein-Conducting
Channel

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Transmembrane protein responsible for transporting
polypeptides across cell membranes in prokaryotes.

For more information see Biochemistry Online: Chapter 2D - PROTEIN FOLDING/STABILITY IN VIVO AND IN VITRO

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Wireframe
α subunit - red

• Forms the pore through which proteins pass

β subunit - blue

• Not necessary for channel function

γ subunit - yellow

• Holds α subunit in proper conformation

Select all subunits
Cartoon and Pore Ring (White)

• Narrowest point of channel. Isoleucine, valine, and leucine residues. (After rotation, rotate to view down y axis for a better view)

Pore Ring and Plug(Green)

• Closes the channel to polypeptides and small molecules. Upon binding of the signal sequence of a polypeptide, the pore plug moves and provides access through the pore ring.

Dot surface and Wireframe