General features
Microtubules
-MT are POLAR
+ end (B-subunit) is where it grows (may have GTP or GDP cap)
- end (a-subunit) only has GTP cap
Microtubule associated proteins
-eg. MAP1, MAP2, MAP4, tau
Tau
Dynamic instability model
Microtubule organizing centres
Centrosome
- each centriole is made up of 9 tripled MTS plus pericentriolar material (PCM)
Pericentriolar matrix
Microfilaments
Microfilaments functions
Microfilament structure
Myosin
Polarity of actin
Actin formation
-microfilament organization is mediated by actin-binding proteins
Actin binding proteins
Proteins that regulate monomers and their polymerization
Proteins that cap the ends
-a cap will prevent further addition or loss of subunits
Proteins that crosslink or bundle filaments
Proteins that sever microfilaments
Proteins that link actin to membranes
-secures microfilament to membrane so that the membrane follows actin movement (cytokinesis)
Proteins that promote branching
Intermediate filaments
Intermediate filament assembly
Plectin
- forms bridges with other IF or MT