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Topics include: Cytoskeleton Basics, Cytoskeleton, Microtubules, Cilia, Intermediate Filaments, Microfilaments, Muscle Contractility, & Non-muscle Motility.
The cytoskeleton is a system of protein filaments that crisscross the inside of a cell. It's responsible for cell motility, which includes the movement of entire cells and the internal transport of organelles and other structures.
The cytoskeleton is made up of three elements: Actin microfilaments: Thought to provide protrusive and contractile forces Microtubules: Form a polarized network that allows organelle and protein movement throughout the cell Intermediate filaments
The cytoskeleton is also responsible for many other functions that are essential for cellular homeostasis and survival, including: Contraction Cytokinesis Establishment of the intracellular organization of the cytoplasm Establishment of cell polarity
Cell motility is the spontaneous movement of a cell from one location to another by consuming energy. It includes several types of motion, including: Swimming, Crawling, Gliding, Swarming.
It's a vital process that's involved in many biological processes, such as: Development of an organism Wound healing Cancer metastasis Immune response
Cell motility can be divided into two broad classes: Swimming through liquid Crawling across and between solid surfaces
Many cells are not motile, for example Klebsiella pneumoniae and Shigella.
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