What is a common characteristic of proteins that are destined for secretion?

Proteins that are destined for secretion typically incorporate a signal peptide sequence. This sequence is a short stretch of amino acids located at the N-terminus of the protein. The presence of this signal peptide is crucial for directing the ribosome to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during protein synthesis. Once the nascent protein enters the ER lumen, the signal peptide is usually cleaved off, and the protein undergoes further modifications and folding before it is packaged in vesicles for transport to the Golgi apparatus and eventually secreted out of the cell.

The incorporation of a signal peptide effectively ensures that the protein is sorted correctly within the cell's trafficking pathways, allowing it to reach its intended destination outside the cell. This characteristic is a critical aspect of the cellular mechanisms that regulate protein function and location.