Question

Animal Physiology Question

1. The sliding filament model can describe both how vesicles are moved through a cell as well as locomotion. How can two different processes use the same underlying mechanism? Explain how actin organization differs to allow for these two different processes.

Answer 1

Actin organization There are three protein fibers present in a cytoskeleton, among them one is microfilaments. They are made up of linked monomers called actin, in the form of a double helix. hence microfilaments are also referred to as actin filaments. Actin filaments have two structurally different ends. The actin filament networks are observed at cytoplasmic regions of the cell. These networks are linked to the plasma membrane, as they are found at the very edge of the cell, they help in giving the cell shape and structure. Functions of Actin filament - 1)They act as tracks for the movement of a protein called myosin. Due to its association with this contractile molecule, actin plays a role in locomotion by involving in cellular events that are needed for the motion to occur. Both the contractile filaments can get themselves organized into overlapping filaments. With the slide passing of one filament over the other, the contraction of muscle takes place. 2) They also serve to act as transporters of protein-containing vesicles and even organelles. These are then carried out by each myosin unit, which is found along with the thin filaments. 3) They also have property assembling and reassembling quickly, which helps them to function an important role in cell movement. Tere close arrangement with myosin and also their mirofilament like organization helped them in doing two different processes ..