cytoskeleton Flashcards
what are the 3 filament types (smallest to largest)
- actin (microfilaments) - actin-binding proteins
- intermediate filaments
- microtubules: microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs)
describe actin structure
- F-actin
- polymers of actin proteins called G-proteins
- polarised double helix
how many acts subunits for each complete turn? diameter?
13
7nm diameter
explain growth of actin filament
- ATP bound to actin monomer (G-actin)
- monomers added/removed from both ends of polymer
- add more rapidly to +end
- once incorporated, ATP –> ADP
3 main functions of actin
- mechanical support
- cell shape changes and maintenance
- cell motility
9 functions/roles of actin proteins
- G-actin monoers
- actin-sequestering proteins (eg. profilin, thymosin) prevent G-actin polymerising
- actin-bundling proteins (a-actinin in muscle))
- motor proteins (muscle myosin)
- side-binding proteins (interact w other proteins)
- capping proteins (prevent growth)
- cross linking proteins (eg. transgelin)
- severing (gelsolin, severin)
- membrane attachment proteins (spectrin)
diameter intermediate filaments
10nm
visible by e.m.
functions of intermediate filaments
- dense around nucleus
- anchor cells at some cell junctions
- support nuclear structure
examples of intermediate filaments
Named vary by cell types:
eg. keratin, vimentin, glial fibriallary acidic protein, neurofilamin
how is an intermediate filament polymer formed
- monomer
- helical dimer (2 monomers)
- 2 dimers combine = tetramer (fundamental unit)
- tetramers link - staggered formation
- Subunit exchange is slow but occurs throughout the length of the filament.
example of modulation of IF
plectin molecules link IFs to actin filaments and microtubules
diameter microtubules
25nm
visible by e.m. or light microscopy
describe structure of microtubules
- polymer built from TUBULIN monomer which consist of one molecule of a-tubulin and beta-tubulin
- asymmetric monomer: polymer has polarity (one end stops with a, one with b)
describe arrangement of columns of tubulin
13 columns of tulip polymer arranged in hollow cylinder
assembly and disassembly of microtubule
- (negative) end: GPD bound monomers dissociate rapidly
- GTP bound monomers assemble onto + end
GTP–>GDP, cycle starts again