Cytoskeletal Elements and Their Functions

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts related to cytoskeletal elements and their functions, suitable for exam preparation.

Actin Filaments

Also known as microfilaments; the smallest cytoskeletal elements made of actin protein subunits.

Structural Polarity

The property of actin filaments and microtubules where one end (plus end) polymerizes faster than the other end (minus end).

Polymerization

The process of building a filament from subunits, faster at the plus end for actin filaments and microtubules.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm splits to form two daughter cells, involving actin filaments.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal elements made of diverse protein subunits, including keratin and lamin, providing structural support.

Microtubules

The largest cytoskeletal elements made of tubulin heterodimers arranging into hollow tubes, involved in intracellular transport.

Myosin

A motor protein that interacts with actin filaments to facilitate muscle contraction and cellular movement.

Cytoplasmic Streaming

The movement of cytoplasm within plant cells, driven by actin and myosin interactions.

G-actin

Globular actin, the monomeric form of actin protein that polymerizes to form F-actin (filamentous actin).

Lamin

A type of intermediate filament subunit that provides structural support to the nuclear envelope.

HTP (Guanosine Triphosphate)

Nucleotide required for the polymerization of microtubules.

Cilia and Flagella

Microtubule-based structures that aid in cell movement; cilia are short and numerous whereas flagella are long and fewer.

Pseudopodia

Temporary projections of the cell membrane in amoeboid movement, achieved through the action of actin filaments.

Dimer

A molecule formed by two subunits, seen in proteins such as tubulin and certain intermediate filaments.

Noncovalent Bonds

Weak bonds allowing for the easy assembly and disassembly of filaments during polymerization and depolymerization.