6/26/2012

Lecture IIb

Cytoskeleton

Bismark Oliver C. Lemana, M.Sc.

Biological Sciences Department, College of Science
University of Santo Tomas, Manila

Cytoskeleton
Complex network of protein structures:
Microtubules
Microfilaments (actin filaments)
Intermediate filaments

Functions:
Determine cell shape
Movement of organelles and particles in and out
of the cell
Movement of the entire cell

6/26/2012

Microtubules
Found in:
Cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells
Cilia and flagella
centrosomes

and tubulin
13 units in a complete spiral
Polymerization controlled by Ca2+ and MAPs

Microtubules
Polymerization of microtubules
Microtubule growth
Occurs at the extremities (+ and ends)

6/26/2012

Microtubule

Microtubules
Polymerization of microtubules
Microtubule growth
Occurs at the extremities (+ and ends)

Colchicine
Blocks the (+) extremity from adding more tubulin
units
Depolarization at (-) end
Arrests mitosis at metaphase stage

Vincristine, vinblastine and taxol

Prevention of cancer cell proliferation

6/26/2012

Microtubules
Cilia and flagella
Movement of materials
Cell locomotion

Microtubules

6/26/2012

Spindle Fibers

Actin Filaments
Function:
Contractile activity (actin and myosin)
Present in muscle tissues

Organization
1. Skeletal muscles

Paracrystalline array integrated with myosin filaments

2. Most cells

Formation of cell cortex in plasmalemma

Associated with endo- and exocytosis, and cell
migratory activity

6/26/2012

Actin Filaments
3. Association with organelles

Shifting and moving of cytoplasmic components

Cytoplasmic streaming

4. None-muscle myosin

purse-string ring of filaments

Cleavage of mitotic cells

5. Scattered in unorganized fashion in cytoplasm

Actin Filaments

6/26/2012

Intermediate Filaments
Proteins associated with IF
Keratins
Found in epithelia
Epidermis, nails, hooves, horns, feathers, scales
Protection from abrasion, dehydration and heat

Vimentin
Mesenchymal in origin

Desmin (skeletin)
Smooth muscles and the Z-disks of skeletal and cardiac muscles

Glial filaments
Characteristic of astrocytes

Neurofilaments
Restricted to neurons

Lamins
Structural network of the nuclear envelop

10 MINUTE BREAK!!!