CELS191 Lecture 5: Regulation of Animal Cell Shape

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes covering key terms and concepts related to animal cell structure and regulation.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that helps maintain cell shape and position of organelles.

Microtubules

Composed of tubulin subunits, they resist compression and help maintain cell shape.

Microfilaments

A double chain of actin subunits that resist tension and support cell movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Made of various proteins like keratins, they help maintain cell shape and anchor organelles.

Cell Junctions

Structures that connect cells, including tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A network of proteins and carbohydrates secreted by cells, providing structural support.

Pinocytosis

The process of uptake of extracellular fluid by cells.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions that provide attachments between sheets of cells.

Tight Junctions

Junctions that hold neighboring cells tightly together to form a seal.

Gap Junctions

Points of cytoplasmic contact between cells that allow communication.