Signal recognition particle contains a 7S RNA essential for protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum.

In addition to its previously characterized, six different polypeptide components, signal recognition protein–which functions in protein translocation across and integration into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane–contains a 7S RNA molecule. The RNA is closely identified with the small cytoplasmic 7SL RNA and is required for both structural and functional properties of signal recognition protein–which we therefore rename signal recognition particle.