In prokaryotes, GroEL protein (together with GroES) is required for protein folding.
Question: Can a bacterial microogranism survive without GroEL protein?
Dear Svetlana,
It's a nice and interesting bioinformatic question. A general answer - a microorganism whose genome encodes rather long proteins (longer then 150 amonoacids) will not survive without GroEL/GroES system. Most enzymes are usually longer than 150 aas, so the anwer is definite NO. BUT there can be some exeptions. The bacteria can be transformed with a plasmid carrying GroEL/GroeS if its genomic version is broken. There are bacteriaphages that carry either GroEL or GroES. It's a complicated literally endless story. If you are still intrested in this topic let's discuss it more deeply.
Thank you, Natasha. This is very interesting. It make sense because GroEL/GroES system assists in protein folding. This is the best answer I've got so far. Thanks!
Dear Svetlana, I've found and old article about that. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1613232/pdf/zpq15800.pdf The problem is not only a protein alarge length, but also some temperature shift or other stress conditions.
Thank you, Natasha! I will look into it. Thank you for your help very much!
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