Signal peptides are short sequences of amino acids located at the beginning of a protein. They play a crucial role in directing the protein to its proper location within the cell, such as the endoplasmic reticulum or outside the cell. These peptides are recognized by cellular machinery that facilitates the transport of the protein to its destination. Once the protein reaches its target site, the signal peptide is typically removed by specific enzymes. This process ensures that the protein is properly processed and functional. Signal peptides are essential for the correct functioning of many proteins, influencing their localization and activity within the cell.