Cytoskeleton Flashcards
what is the cytoskeleton
a dynamic structure of filaments
main functions of the cytoskeleton
structure, transport (extracellular and intracellular)
what are the 3 types of cytoskeleton filaments
microtubules, actin, and intermediate
what are microtubules made of
alpha and beta tubulin proteins
what is the function of microtubules
cell shape, organelle movement, spindle in mitosis and meiosis
what are the characteristics of microtubules
thick and sturdy
what are actin filaments made of
actin protein
what is the characteristics of actin
thin and flexible
what are the functions of actin
cell shape, organelle movement, cell movement, cytokinesis, intracellular transport
intermediate filaments example
many types (keratin)
cytoskeleton filaments partner with what to produce movement
motor proteins
actin polymerization requires what
ATP
actin filaments are dynamic meaning what
they can depolymerize and polymerize
what does depolymerize mean
breaking down polymers into smaller molecules
what does polymerization mean
small monomers to form polymers
