Regulation of animal cell shape - 6

Question 1

What are the three major components of the cytoskeleton

Answer 1

Microtubules, Microfilaments and Intermediate filaments

Question 2

What is the structure and function of Microtubules

Answer 2

Forms a tube radiating out from centrosomes. Good at resisting compression. ATP powered to help with cell mobility.

Question 3

What are the two types of cell movement and examples

Answer 3

Flagella - sperm

Cilia -

Question 4

What is the structure and function of Microfilaments

Answer 4

Actin is a good example, double cortical made up of 3D networks to help resist tension. Helps to maintain cell shape by reducing fluid and cell movement by interacting with myosin (motor protein)

Question 5

What is the structure and function of Intermediate filaments

Answer 5

Super coiled permanent structures made up of proteins. Neurofilaments help maintain cell shape and are stronger. They remain after the cell has died (e.g. Keratin)

Question 6

What are the three types of cell junctions

Answer 6

Gap, desmosomes and tight.

Question 7

Which junction allows communication to pass through a pore

Answer 7

Gap

Question 8

What is the purpose of the desmosome junction

Answer 8

To anchor two cells together. (attached by intermediate filaments)

Question 9

What junction creates a continuous seal and prevents fluid from moving across

Answer 9

tight

Question 10

What is the extracellular matrix (ECM) made of

Answer 10

Composed of secreted material from the cell, often Glycoproteins (proteins with added carbs). Most common of which is Collagen.

Question 11

What does collagen do in the ECM

Answer 11

Collagen fibres are embedded in proteoglycan complex matrix (proteins with added sugars). This traps water within the ECM and helps the cell to maintain it’s shape.

Question 12

What does the ECM connect to

Answer 12

Fibronectins (glycoprotein) attach the cell to the ECM

Integrins connect ECM to cytoskeleton.