lecture 6 - cell shape regulation Flashcards
How is the cytoskeleton dynamic?
The components of the cytoskeleton are cosntantly assembling and disassembling to rapidly change the shape of the cell.
Roles+properties of the cell cytoskeleton
CDOS - clever doctors observe skeletons
Cytoskeleton:
Dynamic
Position Organelles
Cell shape
What are the three components of the cytoskeleton that provide structure?
Microtubules, Microfilaments, Intermediate filaments
Summary mnemonic for structure and function of microtubules
What are microtubules made up of?
Tubulin subunits (dimers) in a twisted helix tube.
What do microtubules radiate out from? And the 2 organelles?
Micrtubule organising centres, Basal body , centrosome
What are centrosomes?
An organising centre, that is sometimes surrounded by microtubules, e.g. during the formation of the mitotic spindle
What type cytoskeleton component best resists compression?
microtubules
What structures create cell motility?
Flagella and cilia
What are the cytoplasmic components of flagella and cilia?
Microtubules
What is the role of cilia in a fixed cell?
The cilia beat back and forth, moving fluid/mucous past.
What is the structure of microfilaments?
Double chains of actin subunits that twist around each other.
Actin is the component of what cytoplasmic structural component?
Microfilaments
What structures can microfilaments form?
linear strands and 3D networks
What is required to allow microfilaments to branch?
branching proteins