Cytoskeleton Flashcards
1
Q
what does the cytoskeleton provide?
A
structure and motility
2
Q
what are the 3 main types of the cytoskeleton?
A
- microfilaments
- intermediate filaments
- microtubules
3
Q
What are types of intermediate filaments?
A
- lamins (nuclei of animals)
-neurofilaments (neurons) - vimetin (connective & muscle)
- keratins (epithelial)
4
Q
characteristics of intermediate filaments?
A
- tough & durable
- intermediate in size
- hugely diverse composition
- different proteins for different cellular environments
5
Q
What are the functions of the intermediate filaments?
A
- mechanical strength
- resists stretching forces
- scaffold structure for cytoskeletal anchoring
- no role on motility
6
Q
What is the structure of intermediate filaments?
A
- nuclear and cytoplasmic
- non covalent interactions pack many monomers together
7
Q
What is the nuclear lamina?
A
a netlike array of protein (lamins) filaments that maintains the shape of the nucleus by mechanically supporting the nuclear envelope
