How is the Proteasome Structurally Suited for its Function?
The proteasome is a complex, barrel-shaped structure consisting of a core particle (20S) and regulatory particles (19S). The core particle contains proteolytic sites that catalyze the breakdown of proteins. The regulatory particles recognize ubiquitinated substrates, unfold them, and translocate them into the core for degradation. This structural organization ensures specificity and efficiency in protein degradation.
