Question

Fill in the chart and answer the question below

Type of Are Do subunits possess enzymatic activity? If so, what type? Does filament Does filament display possess dynamic instability? polarity? cytoskeletal subunits filament globular or filamentous Intermediate Microtubule Actin 8. Considering the properties you have listed above, explain why the properties of each type of cytoskeletal filament are appropriate for its particular function. (5 pt)

Answer 1

type of cytoskeletal filaments	globular or filamentous	enzymatic activity and type	does filament posses polarity	dynamic instability
INTERMEDIATE	FILAMENTOUS	NO	NO	STABLE
MICROTUBULE	GLOBULAR	yes, phosphorylating activity	yes	yes
actin	rod, filament	no	yes	yes

1-intermediate filaments are more permanent and play an essential structural role in the cell.

2-A microtubule is made up of tubulin proteins arranged to form a hollow, straw-like tube, it has two subunits: α-tubulin and β-tubulin. Microtubules, like actin filaments, are dynamic structures: they can grow and shrink quickly by the addition or removal of tubulin proteins so they help the cell resist compression forces.

3- Actin: Dynamic instability helps to play an important role in cell motility (movement). Like WBC in the immune system.