cell cytoskeleton Flashcards
what is cytoskeleton
network of protein filaments that extends throughout the cytoplasm
what is cytoskeleton important in
cell shape, interior organization and movement
roles of cytoskeleton?
supports cell
maintains shape
holds cell organelles in position
movements of cytoplasm
interacts with extracellular structures
3 types of protein filaments that make up cytoskeleton
microfilament
intermediate filament
microtubule
what are microfilaments
polymers of actin proteins (polarized)
actin
globular protein (long thing flexible threads)
what do actin proteins bind to
to other actin proteins and form helical polymers
diameter of microfilament is
7 nm
the actin found in microfilaments has __?
distinct ends (plus and minus)
what do the distinct ends allow
actin monomers to interact with one another to form long, double-helical chains
actin-binding proteins control?
organization of actin filaments
microfilaments exist as
- single filaments
- linear bundles
- 2D networks
- 3D gels
2 major roles of cortex with microfilaments
determine and stabilize cell shape
help the entire cell or parts of cell move
microvilli (supported by microfilaments)
cells that line the intestine are folded into tiny projections
microfilaments allow
movement of vesicles inside the cell and cell movement
what happens during muscle contraction
actin filaments slide against myosin proteins
intermediate filaments (10 nm) are made of
strands of proteins
intermediate filaments 4 major classes
- keratin filaments
- vimentin
- neurofilaments
- nuclear lamins
intermediate filaments create
strong durable network in cytoplasm
intermediate filaments support
nuclear envelope (strengthens mechanical strength)
microtubules are made of
tubular dimers (25 nm)
microtubules grow out of
centrosomes
dynamic instability
switching back and forth between polymerization and depolymerization
Dynamic instability leads to
rapid remodeling of microtubule organization