Systems Biology Image Gallery

Title :

Proteasome

Description :

Breaking down unneeded proteins is accomplished by the orderly action of several multiprotein complexes. At the heart of this process is a multiprotein complex called the proteasome. These machines of destruction consist of a tunnel-like core with a cap at either or both ends. The core is formed by four stacked rings surrounding a central channel that acts as a degradation chamber. The caps recognize and bind to proteins targeted by the cell for destruction, then use chemical energy to unfold the proteins and inject them into the central core, where they are broken into pieces. This is a fundamental kind of machine that has been highly conserved during evolution. Some form of it is found in organisms ranging from simple bacteria to humans.

Citation :

Genomes to Life Program Roadmap, April 2001, DOE/SC-0036, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, http://genomicsgtl.energy.gov/.

Credit or Source :

Genome Management Information System, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Hi Res :

High-Resolution Image

Image Use and Credits
Almost all the images on these pages are original graphics created by the U.S. Department of Energy Genome Program's Genome Management Information System (GMIS). You will recognize GMIS images by their credit line. Permission to use these graphics is not needed, but please credit the U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs and provide the website http://genomics.energy.gov. All other images were provided by third parties and not created by the U.S. Department of Energy. You must contact the person listed in the credit line before using those images.