GTPase

From The School of Biomedical Sciences Wiki
Revision as of 09:54, 26 November 2011 by Nnjm2 (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Overview

GTPases are a group of enzymes which hydrolyse GTP to GDP (a phosphate group is removed). They play an important roll in cell signalling pathways for example, GTP/GDP bound G proteins have intrinsic GTPase activity to slowly reset themselves to their resting state state once it has fullfilled its function [1] (Please note not all G proteins have an active intrinsic GTPase activity and require association with GAP (GTPase activating proteins) in order to hydrolyse GTP). They are also involved in the synthesis of proteins at the ribosome [2]. They also have roles in vesicle movement and cell division.

References

  1. Berg J, Tymoczko J and Stryer L, 2007. Biochemistry, 6th Edition, New York: W.H.Freeman & Co Ltd. (page 387)
  2. Berg J, Tymoczko J and Stryer L, 2007. Biochemistry, 6th Edition, New York: W.H.Freeman & Co Ltd. (page 881)