Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement

Actin Filaments

Cell Biology

15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement

Actin Filaments

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Multiple Choice

If ATP at the minus end is hydrolyzed quickly, what happens to an actin filament?

The filament grows at the minus end

The filament is destabilized at the minus end

The filament grows at both the minus and plus ends

The filament is destabilized at both the minus and plus ends

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of actin filaments: Actin filaments are polar structures with a plus (+) end and a minus (-) end. The plus end is typically more dynamic, with faster rates of both polymerization and depolymerization compared to the minus end.

Recognize the role of ATP in actin filament stability: ATP-bound actin monomers are added to the growing ends of the filament. Once incorporated, ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP, which affects the stability of the filament.

Consider the effect of ATP hydrolysis: Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP at the minus end reduces the stability of the actin filament. ADP-bound actin is less stable and more prone to depolymerization.

Analyze the scenario where ATP is hydrolyzed quickly at the minus end: Rapid ATP hydrolysis at the minus end leads to a predominance of ADP-bound actin, which destabilizes the filament at this end.

Conclude the impact on the filament: Due to the destabilization at the minus end, the filament is more likely to undergo depolymerization at this end, leading to a net loss of actin subunits and potential filament shrinkage.