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Actin is essentially a ball ('globular') with two key features: 1. a particular region binds and hydrolyzes adenosine triphosphate (ATP); 2. Other regions allow actin molecules to bind to one another head-to-tail. I won't discuss the ATP hydrolysis here. When actin molecules bind each other, they form a spiral-staircase-like ('alpha-helical') string called a 'filament.' Multiple actin filaments come together to form bundles or fibers. These higher-order structures are so big and so prevalent that they can be seen in living cells through a microscope.
The atomic structure of globular actin is available for free here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/mmdb/mmdbsrv.cgi?uid=47984
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β 16y ago
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β 11y agobeta sheet
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What is made of myosin?
Most myosin molecules are composed of both a head and a tail domain.
What biomolecules make up the cytoskeleton?
The cytoskeleton is a network of microfilaments and microtubules that provides shape and coherence to the cell. It is mainly composed of proteins.
When was actin discovered?
Actin was discovered by Straub in 1942.
What shape is the protein actin?
Actin is a globular molecule
Microfilaments are made from a ball shaped protein called?
Actin
What are Myofibrils composed primarily of?
actin and myosin
The thick filaments of muscle fibers are composed of what?
Myosin
What are the thick protein filaments in the cell made of?
The thick filament is composed of the myosin molecule. The thin filament is composed of the actin molecule. Flexing the head of myosin provides the powerstroke.
Do actin filaments have membranes?
No. They are polymers of actin that form 'filaments'. Membranes in eukaryotic cells are composed of a 'lipid bilayer'
What do sarcomere contain?
Sarcomeres are composed of actin (thin filaments) and myosin (thick filaments).
What are thick myofilaments of muscles called?
Actin. Myosin are the thin ones.... it's actually the reverseThe thin filaments are composed primarily by the protein Actin.The thick filaments are composed primarily of the protein Myosin.
What material are microtubules composed of?
Microtubules are polymers of tubulin. Microfilaments are polymers of actin.
Muscle cells contain contractible units called?
Myofibril, composed of actin and myosin.
Which type of myofilament is composed of thick long complexes of protein molecules and have appendages known as bridges?
actin
What is one of the functional units of a myofibril?
sarcomere
What is made of myosin?
Most myosin molecules are composed of both a head and a tail domain.
What are the proteins are involved in muscle contraction?
Actin and myosin
