Overview of Cell Biology/Evolution of the Cytoskeleton
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Readings
[edit | edit source]- Study guide:
- Wikipedia article: The Cytoskeleton
The Cytoskeleton
[edit | edit source]The Cytoskeleton consists of several different systems called filamentous polymers:
Critical concentration (Cc): If concentration of monomer < Cc, no polymerization occurs. If concentration of monomer > Cc, polymerization occurs.
Some cytoskeletal polymers are polar and have structural directionality. Due to this directionality, proteins can be transported along the polymer.
Mutants
[edit | edit source]FtsZ(-) mutants fail to undergo cytokinesis or cell division at restrictive temperatures
MreB(-) mutants of normally rod shaped bacteria assume a spherical shape
CreS(-) mutants of normally crescent shaped bacteria assume a rod shape
ParM(-) mutants fail to segregate plasmids between daughter cells