Suppose you discover a large protein (19 nm in diameter) that is synthesized in the cytoplasm and is transported into the nucleus as needed by the cell. Which of the following would be large enough to facilitate transporting this protein into the nucleus?

aquaporin
proton pump
nuclear pore

1 answer

To transport a large protein (19 nm in diameter) into the nucleus, the structure that would be large enough to facilitate this process is the nuclear pore.

Nuclear pores are large protein complexes that span the nuclear envelope and allow the transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. They are capable of accommodating and facilitating the transport of large macromolecules, including proteins.

On the other hand, aquaporins are specialized channels for the transport of water and are not suitable for protein transport, and proton pumps are involved in the movement of protons across membranes, also not applicable for transporting proteins.

Therefore, the correct answer is nuclear pore.