BI110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Intermediate Filament, Kinesin, Dynein
Document Summary
Major functions of cytoskeleton elements: the cytoskeleton is an ancient feature of cells and its structure ad function have remained relatively unchanged throughout the course of evolution. In the dark, melanin granules are dispersed outward by kinesin, causing the embryo to be darkly coloured. In the light, melanin granules are aggregated toward the centre by dyein, causing the embryo to be lightly coloured. Cilia and flagella: cilia and flagella use microtubules to propel the movement of cells or the movement of substances surrounding cells. Motor proteins and movement: microfilaments associate with the motor protein myosin to transport cargo inside the cell, microfilaments are responsible for changes in shape of many types of cells (ex. muscle cells) Intermediate filament: an intermediate filament is a fibre composed of intermediate filament protein subunits. Intermediate filaments are strong, cable-like structures in the cells, providing mechanical strength.
