Cytoskeleton and Cell Signaling Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to cell signaling and cytoskeleton functions discussed in the lecture.

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)

A cell surface receptor that activates a signaling pathway upon binding of a ligand.

Calcium Release

The process where IP3 binds to ion channels on the endoplasmic reticulum, allowing calcium ions to be released into the cytosol.

Phospholipase C (PLC)

An enzyme that, when activated, produces IP3 and diacylglycerol, triggering a signaling cascade.

Intermediate Filaments

A component of the cytoskeleton that provides mechanical strength and stability to cells.

Actin Filaments

Dynamic structures in the cytoskeleton involved in cellular movement and muscle contraction, made of monomers of actin.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes composed of alpha and beta tubulin dimers, crucial for intracellular transport and cell division.

Treadmilling

A dynamic process of actin filaments where monomers add at one end and disassociate at the other, allowing continuous movement.

Kinesin

A motor protein that transports cellular cargo along microtubules toward the plus end.

Dynein

A motor protein that transports cellular cargo along microtubules toward the minus end.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that assist in moving fluid across cell surfaces.

Flagella

Long whip-like structures that enable motility in cells, such as sperm.

Myosin

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

Ligand

A molecule that binds to a receptor, initiating a cellular response.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular events.

Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)

Proteins that stabilize microtubules and regulate their dynamics.

GTP Hydrolysis

The process where GTP is converted to GDP, influencing the growth and stability of microtubules.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A network of proteins and carbohydrates outside the cell that provides structural and biochemical support.