Fibroblasts are motile cells that “creep” about in the connective tissue of the body where they play a number of roles, including secretion of the extracellular matrix and initiating certain wound healing events. These cells do not usually have microvilli nor do they express the actin-binding protein villin; both of these properties are characteristic of certain epithelial cells, such as those lining the intestine and kidneys. Remarkably enough, however, if one artificially engineers fibroblast cells to produce the villin protein, microvilli form on the fibroblasts. Given what you know about the function of villin, why might this striking change in cell morphology occur?
Structure and Composition of Cell Membrane
Despite differences in structure and function, all living cells in multicellular organisms are surrounded by a cell membrane. Just like the outer layer of the skin separates the body from its environment similarly, the cell membrane, also known as 'plasma membrane,' separates the inner content from its exterior environment.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is known by different names like plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, or biological membrane. The term "cell membrane" was first introduced by C. Nageli and C. Cramer in the year 1855. Later on, in 1931, the term "plasmalemma" for cell membrane was given by J. Plowe. The cell membrane separates the cell's internal environment from the extracellular space. This separation allows the protection of cells from their environment.
Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
The cell is defined as the basic structural and functional unit of life. The cell membrane bounds it. It is capable of independent existence.
Fibroblasts are motile cells that “creep” about in the connective tissue of the body where they play a number of roles, including secretion of the extracellular matrix and initiating certain wound healing events. These cells do not usually have microvilli nor do they express the actin-binding protein villin; both of these properties are characteristic of certain epithelial cells, such as those lining the intestine and kidneys. Remarkably enough, however, if one artificially engineers fibroblast cells to produce the villin protein, microvilli form on the fibroblasts. Given what you know about the function of villin, why might this striking change in cell morphology occur?
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