Plectin Mutations and Associated Diseases

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What is the function of the intermediate filaments in the nuclear lamina?

Maintaining the structure of the nuclear envelope
Providing attachment sites for microtubules
Providing attachment sites for chromatin (correct)
Regulating the dynamics of actin filaments

What is the consequence of defects in a nuclear lamin?

Increased cellular migration and invasion
Impaired cell division and increased cell death (correct)
Accelerated cell growth and proliferation
Enhanced tissue repair and cellular differentiation

What is the composition of the nuclear lamina?

A network of actin filaments
A complex of cytoskeletal protein networks
A meshwork of microtubules
A square lattice of intermediate filaments composed of lamins (correct)

What is the effect of plectin mutations on skin and muscle?

It causes features of epidermolysis bullosa simplex and muscular dystrophy (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of intermediate filaments in cells treated with concentrated salt solutions?

They can stay intact and resist disassembly (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of intermediate filaments in cells?

In both the cytoplasm and the nucleus (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of intermediate filament is found in nerve cells?

Neurofilaments (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of microtubules in a cell?

To act as a track for the movement of vesicles and organelles (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of intermediate filament is associated with the nuclear envelope?

Lamins (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of microtubules that allows them to rapidly change their location in the cell?

Their ability to polymerize and depolymerize (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of plectin in intermediate filament networks?

To cross-link intermediate filaments together (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of premature aging caused by mutations in a nuclear protein?

Progeria (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of intermediate filaments in cells?

To provide mechanical stress resistance (B) Signup and view all the answers

What would occur if a sheet of epithelial cells were stretched by external forces in the absence of intermediate filaments?

The cells would experience a major deformation and possibly rupture (B) Signup and view all the answers

What protein aids in the bundling of intermediate filaments and links them to other cytoskeletal protein networks?

Plectin (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of cytoskeletal protein network?

Golgi apparatus (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the disease caused by a mutant form of keratin that makes skin more prone to blistering?

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of intermediate filaments in maintaining cell shape and structure?

They resist mechanical stress and maintain cell shape (B) Signup and view all the answers