Cell Bio: Cytoskeleton Flashcards
Cytoskeleton 3 major groups
- Microtubules
- Intermediate filaments
- Microfilaments
Largest of the cytoskeletal elements
Microtubules
What are microtubules made of?
A protein called tubulin
Microtubule functions
- Maintenance of cell shape
- Macromolecule transport within the cytosol
- Granule transport & movement of chromosomes during mitosis
- Spindle filaments of mitotic spindle
Microtubule locations
- Centrioles
- Cilia
- Flagella
A heterogenous group of filaments that are found surrounding the nucleus and forming a network of filaments inside the cytoplasm
Intermediate filaments
Intermediate filaments are divided into different groups which have a specific:
Distribution in various cell types
Cytokeratins
Epithelium
Desmin
Muscle
Vimentin
Cells derived from mesoderm:
- Fibroblasts
- Chondroblasts
- Macrophages
Glial fibrillary acid protein
Glial/support cells in the nervous system
Neurofilaments
Neurons
Microfilaments are composed of
The protein actin
Actin filaments are associated with proteins to form what?
A layer beneath the cell membrane
The proteins associated with the actin filaments are also associated with membrane activities such as
- Exocytosis
- Endocytosis
