Cytoskeleton Components and Functions

These flashcards cover the primary components of the cytoskeleton, their functions, and related concepts essential for understanding cell biology.

Intermediate Filaments

Polypeptide structures that provide structural support to cells, such as keratin in epithelial cells.

Microtubules

Cylindrical structures made of tubulin that help organize the cell interior and are involved in transport and cell division.

Actin Filaments

Filaments composed of actin that assemble into various shapes and are involved in cell movement and contraction.

Centrosome

The major microtubule-organizing center in animal cells.

Dynamic Instability

The rapid switch from growth to shrinkage in microtubule behavior influenced by GTP and GDP-tubulin.

Motor Proteins

Proteins, like kinesin and dynein, that transport cargo along microtubules.

Signal Sequences

Specific portions of a polypeptide that guide the transport of proteins within a cell.

Cortical Actin

Actin filaments that are concentrated beneath the plasma membrane, playing roles in cell shape and motility.