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In reference to the cytoskeleton: What is dynamic instability? What is treadmilling? Which class of cytoskeleton proteins does this occur in and what are the differences in these phenomena?

In reference to the cytoskeleton: What is dynamic instability? What is treadmilling? Which class of cytoskeleton proteins does this occur in and what are the differences in these phenomena?

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Michael Cummings
Chapter2: Cells And Cell Division
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QP: Cell Structure Reflects Function What advantages are there in having the interior of the cell...
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**Understanding the Cytoskeleton: Dynamic Instability and Treadmilling** **1. What is Dynamic Instability?** Dynamic instability refers to the rapid and reversible switching between growth and shrinkage of microtubules. It is a crucial mechanism that allows microtubules to explore the cellular environment efficiently. This process is characterized by the alternating phases of polymerization (growth) and depolymerization (shrinkage), regulated by the intrinsic properties of tubulin dimers and cellular factors. Dynamic instability enables microtubules to adapt quickly to changes in the cell, playing essential roles in cell division, intracellular transport, and maintaining cell shape. **2. What is Treadmilling?** Treadmilling is a phenomenon observed in cytoskeletal filaments where there is a net addition of subunits at one end of the filament (the plus end) and a net loss of subunits at the opposite end (the minus end). Despite this constant addition and loss of subunits, the overall length of the filament remains relatively constant. This dynamic behavior is energetically driven and is typically observed in actin filaments. Treadmilling is vital for various cellular processes, including cell motility, shape maintenance, and polarization. **3. Which Class of Cytoskeleton Proteins Does This Occur In, and What Are the Differences in These Phenomena?** Dynamic instability primarily occurs in microtubules, which are polymers made from tubulin dimers. Microtubules exhibit alternating phases of growth and shrinkage due to the hydrolysis of GTP bound to tubulin. The balance between these phases is influenced by the presence of GTP- and GDP-bound tubulin. On the other hand, treadmilling occurs in actin filaments, which are composed of actin monomers. Actin filaments exhibit a steady-state where there is a constant addition of ATP-bound actin monomers at the plus end and a simultaneous loss of ADP-bound actin monomers at the minus end. **Key Differences:** - **Location**: Dynamic instability is associated with microtubules, while treadmilling is associated with actin filaments. - **Mechanism**: Dynamic instability involves alternating phases of rapid growth and shrinkage of the filament, whereas treadmilling involves a continuous and balanced addition and subtraction of subunits at opposite ends of the filament. - **Energy Source**: Both processes are energy-dependent,
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding the Cytoskeleton: Dynamic Instability and Treadmilling** **1. What is Dynamic Instability?** Dynamic instability refers to the rapid and reversible switching between growth and shrinkage of microtubules. It is a crucial mechanism that allows microtubules to explore the cellular environment efficiently. This process is characterized by the alternating phases of polymerization (growth) and depolymerization (shrinkage), regulated by the intrinsic properties of tubulin dimers and cellular factors. Dynamic instability enables microtubules to adapt quickly to changes in the cell, playing essential roles in cell division, intracellular transport, and maintaining cell shape. **2. What is Treadmilling?** Treadmilling is a phenomenon observed in cytoskeletal filaments where there is a net addition of subunits at one end of the filament (the plus end) and a net loss of subunits at the opposite end (the minus end). Despite this constant addition and loss of subunits, the overall length of the filament remains relatively constant. This dynamic behavior is energetically driven and is typically observed in actin filaments. Treadmilling is vital for various cellular processes, including cell motility, shape maintenance, and polarization. **3. Which Class of Cytoskeleton Proteins Does This Occur In, and What Are the Differences in These Phenomena?** Dynamic instability primarily occurs in microtubules, which are polymers made from tubulin dimers. Microtubules exhibit alternating phases of growth and shrinkage due to the hydrolysis of GTP bound to tubulin. The balance between these phases is influenced by the presence of GTP- and GDP-bound tubulin. On the other hand, treadmilling occurs in actin filaments, which are composed of actin monomers. Actin filaments exhibit a steady-state where there is a constant addition of ATP-bound actin monomers at the plus end and a simultaneous loss of ADP-bound actin monomers at the minus end. **Key Differences:** - **Location**: Dynamic instability is associated with microtubules, while treadmilling is associated with actin filaments. - **Mechanism**: Dynamic instability involves alternating phases of rapid growth and shrinkage of the filament, whereas treadmilling involves a continuous and balanced addition and subtraction of subunits at opposite ends of the filament. - **Energy Source**: Both processes are energy-dependent,
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