Final answer:
Protein import through a nuclear pore involves binding of a protein with a nuclear localization signal to a nuclear transport receptor, interaction with nuclear pore fibrils to open the pore, and active transport into the nucleus through ATP hydrolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps in which a protein is imported through a nuclear pore are as follows:
- The protein with a nuclear localization signal (NLS) binds to a nuclear transport receptor protein in the cytosol.
- The complex of the protein and the receptor moves towards a nuclear pore.
- At the nuclear pore, the complex interacts with nuclear pore fibrils, causing the pore to open.
- The protein and the receptor cross the double membrane of the nuclear envelope.
- Inside the nucleus, ATP hydrolysis provides the energy for active transport of the protein into the nucleus against a concentration gradient.