Single-molecule studies provide unprecedented details about processes that are difficult to grasp by bulk biochemical assays that yield ensemble-averaged results. One of these processes is the translocation and insertion of proteins across and into the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. This process is facilitated by the universally conserved secretion (Sec) system, a multi-subunit membrane protein complex that consists of dissociable cytoplasmic targeting components, a molecular motor, a protein-conducting membrane pore, and accessory membrane proteins. Here, we review recent insights into the mechanisms of protein translocation and membrane protein insertion from single-molecule studies.

中文翻译：

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关于蛋白质转运子的单分子研究。

单分子研究提供了有关过程的前所未有的详细信息，而这些过程很难通过批量生化分析来获得整体平均的结果。这些过程之一是蛋白质跨细菌细胞质膜的移位和插入。普遍保守的分泌（Sec）系统促进了这一过程，该系统是一种多亚基膜蛋白复合物，它由可解离的细胞质靶向组分，分子马达，传导蛋白的膜孔和辅助膜蛋白组成。在这里，我们从单分子研究回顾了蛋白质转运和膜蛋白插入机制的最新见解。