Lecture 6 Flashcards
Functions of the cytoskeleton
Structure
Organelle support
Movement of organelles
What does dynamic mean
Can breakdown/disassemble and reassemble
Structure of microtubules
Tubulin subunits arranged in spiral structure
“Tiny tubes”
Microtubules
Function of microtubules
Resist compression and provide motility
Function of motor proteins
To actively walk organelles along microtubules so vesicles and other organelles can be transported to specific targets
Structure of microfilaments
Double chain of actin subunits coiled into rope-like structures
Function of microfilaments
Resist tension
Cortical network is…
Under the plasma membrane and functions to make region less fluid and prevent cell collapsing
“Tiny thin threads”
Microfilaments
Structure of intermediate filaments
Made of various proteins tightly wound into cables
Function of intermediate filaments
For permanent features to anchor in place to maintain cell shape
Example of intermediate filaments
Keratin
Function of tight cell junctions
Form a continuous seal to prevent movement of molecules/ions between cells
Structure of desmosomes
Intermediate filaments forming strong rivets
Function of desmosomes
Anchorage for areas where you get lots of pull
Structure of gap junctions
Pores
Function of gap junctions
Allows cytoplasm to move between cells, intercellular communication
What is the ECM formed of…
Proteins and collagen fibres
Proteoglycans
Proteins with extensive sugar additions
Role of proteoglycans
To trap water to resist compression and shape change
Most abundant glycoprotein
Collagen
Role of fibronectin
Attach cells to ECM
Role of intergrin
Connects ECM to cytoskeleton
