ACTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Actin is a noun that refers to one of the two major proteins comprising the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. It is known for its ability to form long, thin fibers or filaments, which are important for determining cell shape, maintaining cell structure, and facilitating cell movement and division. Actin filaments are highly dynamic and can rapidly assemble and disassemble, allowing for various cellular processes to occur.
In terms of its structure, actin consists of globular monomers called G-actin, which can polymerize to form filamentous F-actin networks. The F-actin filaments are polarized, with distinct fast-growing (barbed) and slow-growing (pointed) ends. This polarity is critical for actin's role in cell motility, as actin-binding proteins can interact with specific ends of the filament to regulate its behavior.
Actin is indispensable for a wide range of cellular activities. It plays a crucial role in processes such as muscle contraction, where actin and myosin interact to generate force. Actin is also involved in cell crawling, cell division, endocytosis, and the transport of intracellular vesicles. Additionally, actin participates in the formation of specialized cell structures like microvilli and filopodia, which are important for cell adhesion and sensory functions.
In summary, actin is a protein that forms filaments within the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. It is instrumental in maintaining cell structure, regulating cell shape, and enabling cellular movements and divisions. Actin's dynamic nature and versatility make it a vital component of many fundamental cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for ACTIN
- zctin
- sctin
- wctin
- qctin
- axtin
- avtin
- aftin
- adtin
- acrin
- acfin
- acgin
- acyin
- ac6in
- ac5in
- actun
- actjn
- actkn
- act9n
- act8n
- actib
Etymology of ACTIN
The word "actin" is derived from the Greek word "aktis", which means "ray" or "beam". The term was coined in the late 19th century by German biologist Wilhelm His to describe the protein found in muscle fibers that was responsible for their ability to contract. This protein was so named because of its ability to form filamentous structures that radiated outwards, resembling rays or beams.
Idioms with the word ACTIN
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actin binding proteins
Actin binding proteins refer to a group of proteins that have the ability to interact with actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton in cells. These proteins play a crucial role in regulating the structure and function of actin filaments by binding to them and influencing their assembly, disassembly, crosslinking, or severing. They are involved in various cellular processes such as cell migration, cell division, muscle contraction, and vesicle trafficking.
Similar spelling words for ACTIN
- acetone,
- actinium,
- act on,
- acting,
- acetonic,
- actinal,
- actinic,
- actinism,
- actinian,
- actium,
- acetum,
- actinide,
- actinoid,
- action,
- actinia,
- accident,
- actinon,
- Acton.
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