Cellular Motor Molecules and Intermediate Filaments

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of myosin that allows it to function effectively in cell crawling?

G actin monomers (correct)
Keratin proteins
Microtubules
Tubulin subunits

What function do intermediate filaments serve in a cell?

Reinforce cell junctions (correct)
Transport cytoplasmic vesicles
Support cell membrane
Separate duplicate chromosomes

Which of the following motor molecules enables the separation of duplicate chromosomes during cell division?

Kinesin (correct)
Dynein (correct)
Keratin
Myosin

Which of the following statements about kinesin and dynein is true?

<p>They distribute organelles in the cytoplasm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature distinguishes myosin from intermediate filaments?

<p>Composed of G actin monomers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Myosin

Proteins that 'walk' on microfilaments composed of G actin monomers. They are responsible for cell support, vesicle transport, cell crawling, and cell division.

Kinesin & Dynein

Proteins that 'walk' on microtubules made of tubulin subunits. They are involved in organelle movement, cell projection movement, and chromosome separation.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibrous structures found in cells, primarily composed of keratin. They are responsible for reinforcing cell junctions, preventing cell separation, and forming hair and nails.

Joints

Structures in the body where two or more bones meet. They allow for movement and flexibility.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ball and Socket Joint

A type of joint that allows for a wide range of movement in multiple directions, like a ball and socket.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Motor Molecules

Myosin: Crawls on microfilaments (composed of G-actin monomers). Functions include supporting/shaping the cell membrane, transporting cytoplasmic vesicles, cell crawling, and cell division (pinching the cell in two to form daughter cells).
Kinesin and Dynein: Crawl on microtubules (composed of tubulin subunits). Functions include distributing organelles in the cytoplasm, moving large cell projections, and enabling separated chromosomes during cell division.

Intermediate Filaments

Lack motor molecules.
Typically made of keratin protein.
Functions include reinforcing cell junctions, preventing cells from separating, and being a major component of hair and nails.