4-Chapter 10 Lecture

Cytoskeleton

A network of structural protein elements in the cytoplasm that helps maintain cell shape and integrity.

Microfilaments

The thinnest cytoskeletal structures, polymers of actin that provide support and facilitate cell movement.

Microtubules

Hollow polymers of tubulin dimers that assist in maintaining cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell division.

Intermediate Filaments

Polymers of various proteins that provide mechanical strength and structural support to cells.

Dynamic Instability

The rapid cycles of shrinkage and growth that microtubules undergo, allowing cellular adaptability.

Kinesin

A motor protein that moves along microtubules towards the plus end, transporting cellular cargo.

Dynein

A motor protein that moves along microtubules towards the minus end, involved in intracellular transport and cell movement.

Cadherins

Transmembrane proteins that mediate cell-cell adhesion, providing structural continuity between adjacent cells.

Tight Junctions

Cell junctions that prevent free passage of materials between cells, acting as a barrier.

Hemidesmosomes

Cell junctions that anchor epithelial cells to the basal lamina, connecting to intermediate filaments within the cell.

The primary function of the __________ is to maintain cell shape.

cytoskeleton

____________ are the thinnest cytoskeletal structures that facilitate cell movement.

Microfilaments

Hollow polymers of __________ dimers are known as microtubules.

tubulin

Intermediate filaments provide mechanical strength and __________ support to cells.

structural

Dynamic instability refers to the rapid cycles of __________ and growth of microtubules.

shrinkage

__________ is a motor protein that transports cellular cargo towards the plus end of microtubules.

Kinesin

The minus end of microtubules is where the motor protein __________ moves.

Dynein

Cadherins are transmembrane proteins that facilitate __________-cell adhesion.

cell

Tight junctions act as a barrier to prevent free passage of __________ between cells.

materials

Hemidesmosomes anchor epithelial cells to the __________ lamina.

basal

The structural elements of the cytoskeleton include microfilaments, __________, and intermediate filaments.

microtubules

Motor proteins like kinesin and dynein are essential for __________ transport within cells.

intracellular

The __________ cytoskeletal structures are involved in muscle contraction.

Microfilaments

__________ proteins play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of cell-cell junctions.

Cadherin

Cells use __________ to create a selective barrier that controls material passage.

tight junctions

Intermediate filaments are composed of varying types of __________ depending on the cell type.

proteins

__________ junctions help anchor cells to each other and provide mechanical stability.

Adherens

Kinesin moves organelles and vesicles along the __________ cytoskeleton towards the cell's periphery.

microtubule

In dynamic instability, microtubules rapidly switch between growth and __________.

shrinkage

Dynein is critical for the movement of cilia and __________ in eukaryotic cells.

flagella

Cadherins play a vital role in the establishment and maintenance of __________ adhesion.

cell-cell

What is the primary role of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

To maintain cell shape and integrity.

What are microfilaments primarily composed of?

Actin.

What cellular process is microtubule dynamic instability associated with?

Cellular adaptability.

What is the function of kinesin motor proteins?

To transport cellular cargo towards the plus end of microtubules.

What type of filaments provide mechanical strength to cells?

Intermediate filaments.

How do dynein motor proteins move within the cell?

Towards the minus end of microtubules.

What is the role of cadherins in cells?

To mediate cell-cell adhesion.

What do tight junctions primarily create between cells?

A barrier to prevent the passage of materials.

Where do hemidesmosomes anchor epithelial cells?

To the basal lamina.

What is one characteristic of microtubules?

They are hollow polymers made of tubulin dimers.

What is the main function of adherens junctions?

To anchor cells to each other for mechanical stability.

Which cell junctions play a role in selective permeability?

Tight junctions.

What is the significance of dynamic instability in microtubules during cell division?

It allows for rapid rearrangement needed for mitosis.

What functions do motor proteins serve in relation to intracellular transport?

They facilitate the movement of organelles and vesicles along the cytoskeleton.

What type of structural support do intermediate filaments provide?

Mechanical strength.

Which component of the cytoskeleton is involved in muscle contraction?

Microfilaments.

How do cadherins contribute to tissue integrity?

By providing adhesion between adjacent cells.

What is a unique feature of microtubules in relation to their size?

They are the largest components of the cytoskeleton.

What role do cadherins play in embryonic development?

They are crucial for the proper formation of tissues.

What can the rapid growth and shrinkage of microtubules affect in a cell?

Cell shape and transport dynamics.