ROP GTPase

ARAC11 Rac-like GTP-Binding Protein.png through the regulation of cytoskeleton components like actin and microtubules. Unlike mammalian cells, plant cells do not contain heterotrimeric G proteins like Cdc42, Rac, and Rho that are known to regulate cellular polarity.
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Structure and Function
ROP proteins are a type of monomeric G proteins found in plants belonging to the Rho family. ROP binding to GTP or GDP determines its activity due to conformational changes within its structure. Within the G-domain of the structure are the G-box motifs G1-5. These motifs are formed during protein folding and are composed of conserved sequences that are responsible for nucleotide and magnesium binding as well as hydrolysis of GTP. Motifs G2 (switch I loop) and G3 (switch II loop) possess distinct conformations depending on GTP binding state. In addition, the G-domain contains a unique and conserved helical domain commonly found in Rho family proteins called αi.

Specific locations within the 3D ROP protein structure, including the amino acids 13-20, 60-64, and 118-121, act as binding sites during protein activity. The serine residue at amino acid 74 has been shown to be a potential protein activity regulation site through phosphorylation.