5 Questions
What is the primary function of actin filaments in the cell?
Involved in locomotion and muscle contraction
Which cytoskeletal component is primarily responsible for providing strength to cells?
Intermediate filaments
In addition to the contractile apparatus, what other function do actin filaments play in the cell?
Determining cell shape and locomotion
Which cytoskeletal component is responsible for the intracellular transport of vesicles?
Microtubules
What is the function of microtubules that distinguishes them from actin filaments and intermediate filaments?
Radiate from the centrosome
Study Notes
Cytoskeleton
- Comprises of three structural materials: actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, which provide cell shape and structure.
Actin Filaments
- Critical components of the contractile apparatus.
- Involved in various cellular processes, including:
- Locomotion.
- Determining cell shape.
- Ability to move by amoeboid-like movements.
- Cell division.
- Muscle contraction.
Intermediate Filaments
- Primarily structural in function.
- Found in desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.
- Provide strength to cells.
Microtubules
- Radiate from the centrosome.
- Involved in various cellular processes, including:
- Intracellular transport of vesicles.
- Chromosome movement.
- Movement of cilia and flagella.
Learn about the components of the cell cytoskeleton including actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Understand their functions in providing cell shape, locomotion, strength, and other cellular processes.
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