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What might be a reason for the accumulation of improperly folded protein complexes in the bacterial cell cytoplasm following translation?

1) A problem exists with the functioning of molecular chaperones.
2) The cell is synthesizing proteins too rapidly.
3) Polysomes are forming on the mRNA.
4) The proteins are being transcribed but not translated.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Problems with molecular chaperones, rapid protein synthesis, and the formation of polysomes on mRNA can all contribute to the accumulation of improperly folded protein complexes in the bacterial cell cytoplasm following translation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accumulation of improperly folded protein complexes in the bacterial cell cytoplasm following translation can be caused by several reasons. One possible reason is a problem with the functioning of molecular chaperones. Chaperones are helper molecules that prevent proteins from aggregating and help them fold correctly. If chaperones are not functioning properly, proteins may accumulate in improperly folded states.

Another reason could be that the cell is synthesizing proteins too rapidly. The process of protein synthesis is highly regulated, and if the cell is producing proteins at a faster rate than they can fold properly, it can lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins.

Polysomes, which are multiple ribosomes simultaneously translating an mRNA molecule, could also contribute to the accumulation of improperly folded protein complexes. If the ribosomes on the polysomes are not able to properly fold the proteins as they are being synthesized, it can result in the accumulation of misfolded proteins.

User David Lowenfels
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