The Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cytoskeleton and cell movement.

Cytoskeleton

A protein filament network that extends throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, providing structural framework, determining cell shape, and organizing the cytoplasm.

Actin Filaments

Flexible fibers, about 7 nm in diameter, organized in bundles or 3-D networks, involved in various cellular movements.

Myosin Motors

Protein motors that convert chemical energy (ATP) into mechanical energy, generating force and movement, particularly in muscle contraction.

Microtubules

Rigid hollow rods composed of tubulin that undergo continuous assembly and disassembly, aiding in cell movements and shape determination.

Nucleation

The first step in actin polymerization, where dimers and trimers are formed.

Treadmilling

A dynamic process in actin filaments where the plus end grows faster than the minus end, maintaining a constant filament length while allowing turnover.

ATP-actin

Actin monomers bound to ATP that are critical for filament growth at the plus end.

Cofilin

An actin-binding protein that severs actin filaments, creating new ends for polymerization.

Intermediate Filaments

Protein fibers with a diameter of 10-12 nm that provide mechanical strength and a scaffold for cell processes, not directly involved in movement.

Desmosomes

Cell junctions that attach keratin filaments to dense protein plaques on the cytoplasmic side, providing structural integrity to epithelial cells.

Dynein

Motor proteins responsible for transporting cellular cargo towards the minus end of microtubules and for ciliary/flagellar movement.

Kinesin

Motor proteins that transport cellular cargo towards the plus end of microtubules.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs large particles or other cells, involving actin-mediated cellular extensions.

Basal Body

A structure similar to a centriole, anchoring cilia and flagella to the surface of the cell and initiating growth of axonemal microtubules.

Microvilli

Fingerlike extensions on the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells that increase surface area for absorption.