Intracellular Protein Transport - illustration

Proteins in the cytoplasm target and activate biochemical reactions in specific cellular components, such as the mitochondria and the nucleus. Within the nucleus, gene expression is activated and leads to new protein synthesis, which are formed on the endoplasmic reticulum. These proteins are transported via the Golgi complex for packaging and distribution to cellular membrane and for extracellular release.

Artist: Jeannie Kelly

Image courtesy of National Cancer Institute.