Q15388

Tom20 also known as TOMM20 is a member of the multisubunit complex Tom (mitochondrial preprotein translocases of the outer membrane). Tom facilitates the import of nucleus-encoded precursor proteins across the mitochondrial outer membrane. The Tom machinery consists of import receptors for the initial binding of cytosolically synthesized preproteins and a general import pore (GIP) for the membrane translocation of various preproteins into the mitochondria. The import receptors include Tom20 and Tom22, which form a heteromeric receptor complex that initiates the insertion of newly synthesized proteins into the outer membrane and then directs the precursor protein into the GIP.