Summary
Summary The cytoskeleton
- Course
- Institution
- Book
Summary of biology first year notes. Applicable to all first year biology courses (not university specific). Made by a straight distinction student.
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
More summaries for
-
Samenvatting celbiologie les 1 en 2 (H5/7)
Seller
Follow
isabelleboles
Reviews received
Content preview
- The cytoskeleton is a network of fibres extending throughout the cytoplasm of thecell.
- Responsible for:
o Organising the cell’s structure
o Organising the cell’s activities
o Anchoring many organelles
o Providing cell shape
o Aids motility (moving of the cell)
o Responds to environmental signals / stimuli
- The cytoskeleton is not rigid.
Components of the cytoskeleton:
- The cytoskeleton is made of three main components:
o Microtubules: thickest of the three components.
o Microfilaments: contains actin filaments and is the thinnest component.
o Intermediate filaments: fibres with diameters in the middle range.
- The assembly of polymers (monomers (single units) linked by chemical bonds) is
highly regulated by the cell according to the specific needs of the cell.
Roles of the cytoskeleton: support, motility and regulation
- Helps support the cell and maintain its shape.
- Interacts with the motor proteins to produce motility (location and movement of
parts).
, - Inside the cell, vesicles can travel along the monorails (Microtubules are complexes
of the protein, tubulin. They are the largest diameter of the cytoskeleton members
and serve as "monorails" along which organelles can move about) of the
cytoskeleton.
- Cytoskeleton may help regulate biochemical activities.
Microtubules:
- Hollow rods of about 25 nm in diameter and about 200 nm to 25 microns
(micrometres) long.
- The wall of each tube is made of a substance called tubulin – dimer (molecular
complex of chemicals that consists of a few repeating units consisting of two
monomers joined by a bond that can be either strong or weak, covalent or
intermolecular) of α-tubulin and β-tubulin.
200nm – 25 ųm
25nm
- Length can grow and shrink.
- The ends of the tubules are slightly different.
- The plus end can add or release dimers (see definition above) at a faster rate.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller isabelleboles. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $2.84. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
73918 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now