Final answer:
Signal peptide patterns guide proteins to specific cellular locations and are generally 10-30 amino acids long. Found at the N-terminal end of proteins, they are recognized by the signal recognition particle and are involved in signal transduction to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum where they're often removed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signal peptide patterns are commonly found at the beginning (amino terminus) or the end (carboxyl terminus) of proteins. They serve as a sort of 'train ticket,' directing the protein to specific cellular compartments, such as the mitochondria or chloroplasts. The length of a signal peptide is typically between 10-30 amino acids at the N-terminal end of the protein.
The signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes these signal sequences and aids in transporting the protein to its correct location, such as the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (RER), where the signal peptide may be cleaved off by a signal peptidase. As part of the signal transduction process, these peptides ensure that proteins are properly localized within the cell.