BIOL 200 Study Guide - Final Guide: Vimentin, Nuclear Membrane, Nuclear Lamina
Document Summary
Topic 6. 1 overview of cytoskeleton; intermediate filaments: compare and contrast the structure and function of the three types of cytoskeletal elements: actin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules. Intermediate filaments = supportive/elastic fibers that provide mechanical reinforcement of tissues associated w/ any motor protein. Cross-linked to mts and/or actin can respond to cues from other parts of cell. Can disassemble and reassemble as cell changes (ie. mitosis) Microtubules = rigid protein tubules involved in movement and positioning of cell organelles. Mt = 13 protofilaments each filament = monomers = dimers of alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin. Mts grow by adding new monomers to (+) end of existing mt. Exhibits polarity = (+) end and (-) end. Growth at one end is faster. Note: ends have nothing to do w/ electrical than growth at other end dynamic instability. Involves motor proteins polarity, just think like n- and c- terminus. Provides substrate for 2 different types of motor systems: dyneins and kinesins.
