protein sorting

Protein sorting is the cellular process that directs proteins to their correct locations within or outside the cell. After proteins are made in the cytoplasm, they often carry signals that act like address labels, guiding them to specific destinations such as the nucleus, mitochondria, or cell membrane. Specialized parts of the cell, like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, act as processing centers, ensuring proteins are properly modified, sorted, and shipped to where they’re needed. This system maintains cell function and coordination by efficiently distributing proteins to their correct sites.