Protein import into chloroplasts

Abstract

The structural complexity of chloroplasts is reflected in their intriguing protein-targeting system. Not only must nucleus-encoded proteins be targeted to the chloroplast, but also, once inside the chloroplast, these polypeptides must be directed to their final destination in one of six intrachloroplastic compartments. Although the details of this process remain elusive, many recent advances have improved our vantage point for examining this system.