Cytoskeleton I-II

A set of 100 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the cytoskeleton in medical biology.

Cytoskeleton

A filament system that provides shape, support, and organization to cells.

Microtubules

Long, cylindrical structures composed of tubulin proteins, responsible for transport and maintaining cell shape.

Actin filaments

Polymers of actin proteins important for cell movement and shape.

Intermediate filaments

Thread-like fibers providing mechanical strength to cells.

Cell motility

The ability of cells to move and change shape.

Motor proteins

Proteins that convert chemical energy into mechanical work to move cellular components.

Embryonic development

The process of growth and differentiation in multicellular organisms.

Cell division

The process by which a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Tissue regeneration

The process by which tissues replace or repair themselves after injury.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

G-actin

Globular form of actin that polymerizes to form F-actin.

F-actin

Filamentous form of actin, composed of G-actin monomers.

Centrosome

The microtubule organizing center of cells that facilitates the formation of spindle fibers.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Cell surface structures

Structures such as lamellipodia and filopodia enabling cell movement.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Peroxisome

Organelles involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification.

Ribosome

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Myosin

Motor proteins that interact with actin filaments for movement.

Microtubule dynamics

The processes by which microtubules grow and shrink.

Thymosine

A protein that inhibits actin polymerization.

Profilin

A protein that promotes actin polymerization.

Arp2/3 complex

A protein complex that nucleates new actin filaments.

Filamin

An actin-binding protein that cross-links actin filaments.

Contractile structures

Structures formed by actin and myosin that enable contraction.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that allow for movement across cell surfaces.

Kinesin

A motor protein that transports cellular cargo along microtubules.

Dynein

A motor protein that moves cargo in the opposite direction along microtubules.

Integrins

Proteins that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion.

Cellular responses

Reactions of cells to various stimuli.

Apical membrane

The upper surface of epithelial cells, facing the lumen.

Basal membrane

The lower surface of epithelial cells, anchoring them to underlying tissue.

Desmosomes

Structural protein complexes that provide cell adhesion.

Adherens junctions

Cell junctions that connect the actin cytoskeleton of one cell to that of another.

Hemidesmosomes

Structures that anchor epithelial cells to the basement membrane.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

A network of proteins and molecules outside cells that provide structural and biochemical support.

Cell polarization

The asymmetrical distribution of cellular components that defines the functional regions of a cell.

Migration

The movement of cells from one area to another.

Nuclear lamina

A dense fibrillar network inside the nucleus that provides mechanical support.

Vimentin

An intermediate filament protein found in mesenchymal cells.

Desmin

An intermediate filament protein found in muscle cells.

Keratins

Intermediate filament proteins that provide structural support in epithelial cells.

Neurofilaments

Intermediate filaments that support the axon structure in neurons.

Cell shape

The physical form of a cell, influenced by the cytoskeleton.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Tension

The state of being stretched or strained.

Protrusion

The outward extension of a structure or surface.

Cell adhesion

The process by which cells interact and attach to neighboring cells or the ECM.

Traction

The action of pulling or being pulled along a surface.

Cell-cell interactions

Interactions between adjacent cells that influence their behavior.

Substrate

An underlying substance on which a cell can move or adhere.

Microvillus

Small projections on the surface of epithelial cells that increase surface area.

Terminal web

A network of actin filaments located beneath the plasma membrane.

Cell environment

The external factors that influence a cell's behavior and structure.

Accessory proteins

Proteins that assist in the assembly and regulation of cytoskeletal filaments.

Polarity

The condition of having distinct structural or functional properties at opposite ends.

Cell growth

The increase in cell size and mass.

Cell structure

The arrangement and organization of different cellular components.

Cell adaptation

The ability of cells to adjust to changes in their environment.

Mechanical power

The ability of cells to withstand forces without breaking.

Regulation of dynamics

The control of the behavior and interactions of cytoskeletal components.

Filament organization

The arrangement and alignment of cytoskeletal filaments within a cell.

Actin network

The complex interlinking of actin filaments that supports cellular structures.

Cell surface projections

Extensions of the cell membrane that aid in movement and interactions.

Molecular machinery

The complex of molecules that perform functions within cells.

Tissue structure

The arrangement of cells in a tissue that defines its function.

Cellular communication

The process by which cells send and receive signals.

Signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to external signals.

Embryonic tissues

The tissues formed during the development of an embryo.

Immunological response

The reaction of the immune system to a foreign pathogen.

Cytoskeletal system

The integrated network of filaments within a cell.

Sequencing of events

The order in which cellular processes occur.

Polymerization

The process of combining small molecules to form a larger structure.

Actin polymerization

The process of forming actin filaments from actin monomers.

Mechanistic features

The fundamental principles that explain how cellular processes occur.

Microtubule organization center (MTOC)

The cellular structure responsible for organizing microtubules.

Research advancements

The progress made in scientific understanding and technology.

Functional diversity

The variety of tasks and roles that different proteins and structures perform.

Filament assembly

The process by which cytoskeletal components coordinate to form filaments.