Cytosol chapter 4.4

Cytosol

The cytosol is the region of a eukaryotic cell that is outside the organelles but inside the plasma membrane.

Functions of the Cytosol

The cytosol is involved in metabolism, coordination of cellular activities, and the synthesis/breakdown of molecules.

Metabolism

Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in a cell that produce materials and energy needed for life.

Catabolism

Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules into smaller components, which releases energy.

Anabolism

Anabolism is the synthesis of molecules and macromolecules, requiring energy input.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that provide shape, organization, and movement in eukaryotic cells.

Types of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and actin filaments.

Function of Microtubules

They assist in cell shape, organization of organelles, intracellular transport, and chromosome sorting in cell division.

Function of Intermediate Filaments

They provide mechanical strength, anchorage for organelles, and structural support.

Function of Actin Filaments

They provide cell shape, cell movement, and intracellular transport.

Motor Proteins

Proteins that use ATP to move along cytoskeletal filaments, transporting cargo or moving the cell.

Domains of a Motor Protein

Head, hinge, and tail.

Types of Movement Facilitated by Motor Proteins

1. Moving cargo along the cytoskeleton, 2) Filament movement, 3) Filament bending.

Cilia and Flagella

Hair-like appendages that help cells move by generating a bending motion.

Difference Between Cilia and Flagella

Flagella are usually longer and found singly or in pairs, while cilia are shorter and more numerous.

Axoneme

The internal structure of cilia and flagella, consisting of microtubules, dynein motor proteins, and linking proteins in a 9+2 arrangement.

Basal Bodies

Structures at the base of cilia and flagella that anchor them to the plasma membrane and provide a site for microtubule growth.