Protein targeting is a fast-moving field that has encompassed areas from biophysics to molecular biology to try to gain insight into how proteins are directed to their final functional location and how such macromolecules are able to cross semi-permeable membrane barriers during their journey. This text reviews our current state of knowledge regarding the interaction of proteins at the membrane interface and the assembly of proteins into biological membranes, before proceeding to look at targeting pathways in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The reviews have been written by some of the leading researchers in the field, with contributions from around the world and with more than 1,800 references. The text is aimed at graduate students and at researchers with an interest in protein targeting, but may also be of use to final-year undergraduates.

Originally published in 1999.

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