Cytochalasin is a drug that caps actin filament plus ends, thus preventing actin polymerization. Phalloidin is a drug that binds to and stabilizes actin filaments, preventing actin depolymerization
Even though these drugs have opposite effects on actin polymerization, the addition of either of these drugs instantaneously freezes the cell movements that depends on actin filaments. Explain why drugs that have opposite effects on actin filaments can have a similar effect on cell movements.
These drugs both stop cell movements because actin polymerization and depolymerization are both required for this process. As cells move forward, the growth of actin filaments near the plasma membrane helps push out the membrane. As this occurs, continuous depolymerization of actin filaments occurs at the actin filaments away from the plasma membrane.
You might also like to view...
Kidney __________ are small, tubular structures that interact with nearby capillaries to form urine. Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s)
Transport of RNAs out of the nucleus involves all but which of the following?
a. Ran b. Expenditure of chemical energy c. Protein translocation signals d. Small RNAs crossing by passive diffusion
Compare and contrast the three types of eukaryotic microbes
What will be an ideal response?
The most common etiologic agent of community-acquired pneumonia in adults older than 30 years of age is ___ pneumoniae
a. Mycoplasma b. Chlamydophila c. Streptococcus d. Klebsiella