Cell Biology Lecture on Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules

These flashcards cover key concepts related to intermediate filaments and microtubules as discussed in the cell biology lecture.

What are the major types of cytoskeletal elements?

Intermediate filaments, microtubules, and actin filaments.

How do intermediate filaments form from monomers?

Monomers form dimers by wrapping around each other, then dimers associate to form tetramers, which align to create strands.

What are the roles of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

Determines cell shape, organizes organelles, coordinates movement of molecules, facilitates cell movement, and provides structural support.

What is dynamic instability in microtubules?

The rapid transition between growth and shrinkage of microtubules, influenced by GTP hydrolysis.

What proteins make up a tubulin dimer?

Each tubulin dimer consists of alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin.

What is the purpose of the GTP cap in microtubules?

The GTP cap stabilizes microtubules and prevents catastrophe during polymerization.

What are keratin filaments and where are they found?

Keratin filaments are the most diverse class of intermediate filaments found in epithelial cells, providing strength.

What happens to the nuclear lamina during cell division?

It disassembles and reassembles during cell division.

What are some diseases associated with mutations in intermediate filaments?

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex and Progeria.

What is the structure of microtubules?

Microtubules are hollow tubes made of tubulin dimers arranged into protofilaments.