Determine the shape of the cell. They form bundles which makes them stronger. The actin laments join a growing filament at the plus end
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Describe the function of the microtubules?
Position organelles and form an internal transport system. Important for cell division and involved in movement.
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Describe the function of intermediate filaments?
They provide mechanical strength and connect cells to form tissues.
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How doe actin filaments remodels the actin network?
They extend and contract this pushes out the plasma membrane and the cells move.
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Describe and briefly explain the process of polymerisation in the cytoskeleton?
Actin filaments grow at the + end by treadmiling. Microtubules grow and shrink at the - end. This creates a dynamic instability as the microtubules shrink faster than they grow. They then stabilise by the cells being capped at the ends.
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Why is cell migration important?
The spread of cancer, formation of blood vessels, wound repair, embryo development, immune response
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Name the steps of cell migration?
Protrusion, Adhesion and Retraction
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What occurs in the protrusion step of cell migration?
The growth at the front of the cell pushes the plasma membrane forward.
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What occurs in the adhesion step of cell migration?
The membrane attaches to the surface and pulls itself forward.
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what occurs in the retraction step of cell migration?
The actin filaments dissemble from the back and assemble from the front. This process is called treadmiling.
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What is the function of cytoskeleton?
Provides mechanical strength to tissues to allow efficient muscle contraction.
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Describe the function of Cadherins?
Allow cells to recognise each other from cell- cell adhesion
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Describe the function of tight junctions?
Provide mechanical strength and are able o Forman impermeable barrier.
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Describe the function of desmosomes?
Connect via intermediate filaments and help anchor proteins connect desmosome proteins to cytoskeleton.
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Describe the function of gap junctions?
Directly connect the cytoplasm. There main functions are: exchange of metabolites, communication signals, adhesion between cells and suppress tumour growth
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What is the function of extracellular matrix?
Surround cells and provide structure, mechanical and biochemical support for connective tissue.
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What does the mixture of the ECM contain?
Collagen, proteoglycans and fibronectin
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Describe the structure and function of collagen in the ECM?
Form molecular cables/form chains that create a helix. These strengthen tendons and protects and supports softer tissues when mineral crystals are added.
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Describe the structure and function of proteoglycans in the ECM?
Form long chains which branch off long proteins. They can lubricate the ECM and modify the activity and stability of other proteins.
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Describe the structure and function of fibronectins in the ECM?
Bind to cell surface molecules (integrins) and other ECM components . Important in wound healing, blood clot formation and cancer.
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What are integrins and what do they do?
cell surface molecules that act as matrix receptors. They connect the cell to the ECM but also transmit signals into the cell which allows the cell to respond to its environment
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What is inside-out signalling?
Integrin fibres pull on some ECM fibres and the cell can attach as well.
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What can connect integrins to actin cytoskeleton?
Anchor proteins
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What are adhesion complexes?
Connection points between the cell and the ECM.
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How do motor proteins (myosin) aid cell adhesion?
They create forces that pull the cell forward. The adhesion complexes disassemble and the cycle repeats.
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What are adhesion hemidesomosomes?
Cells attach to basement membrane via hemidesmosomes. They connect the ECM to intermediate filaments in the cell. They provide additional mechanical strength.
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What type of cells are able to destroy the ECM?
Cancer cells
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Describe the function of the microtubules?
Back
Position organelles and form an internal transport system. Important for cell division and involved in movement.
Card 3
Front
Describe the function of intermediate filaments?
Back
Card 4
Front
How doe actin filaments remodels the actin network?
Back
Card 5
Front
Describe and briefly explain the process of polymerisation in the cytoskeleton?
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