Actin
Definition
Actin is a globular multi-functional protein that forms microfilaments. It plays a critical role in muscle contraction by interacting with myosin to produce force and movement.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Actin filaments, also known as thin filaments, are essential components of the cytoskeleton.
- In muscle cells, actin filaments are organized into sarcomeres, which are the functional units of muscle contraction.
- During muscle contraction, actin filaments slide past myosin filaments due to the interaction between actin and myosin heads.
- Actin is involved not only in muscle contraction but also in cell motility, division, and intracellular transport.
- ATP binding and hydrolysis regulate the polymerization and depolymerization of actin filaments.
Review Questions
- What role does actin play in muscle contraction?
- How do actin filaments interact with myosin during muscle contraction?
- What other cellular processes involve actin besides muscle contraction?
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Related terms
Myosin: A motor protein that interacts with actin to generate force for muscle contractions.
Sarcomere: The basic contractile unit of striated muscle tissue composed of repeating sections of actin and myosin.
Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers composed of proteins like actin that provide structural support for cells.
