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Motor Proteins definitions

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  • Motor Protein
    Protein that uses ATP to generate movement along cytoskeletal tracks, enabling transport and cellular motion.
  • Cytoskeleton
    Cellular network composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, providing structure and facilitating movement.
  • Microfilament
    Thin cytoskeletal strand, primarily actin, serving as tracks for myosin and supporting cell shape and movement.
  • Microtubule
    Tubular cytoskeletal structure with polarized ends, guiding kinesin and dynein for intracellular transport.
  • Intermediate Filament
    Cytoskeletal component providing mechanical support, distinct from microfilaments and microtubules.
  • Myosin
    Motor protein moving along actin microfilaments, crucial for muscle contraction and vesicle transport.
  • Kinesin
    Motor protein traveling toward the positively charged end of microtubules, transporting cargo like vesicles and chromosomes.
  • Dynein
    Motor protein moving toward the negatively charged end of microtubules, powering cilia and flagella motion.
  • Actin
    Protein forming microfilaments, serving as tracks for myosin-driven transport and muscle contraction.
  • ATP
    Molecule providing energy for motor proteins to drive movement along cytoskeletal tracks.
  • Thick Filament
    Aggregated structure of multiple myosin molecules, essential for muscle contraction.
  • Vesicle
    Membrane-bound cargo transported by motor proteins along cytoskeletal tracks within cells.
  • Chromosome
    Genetic material transported by kinesin along microtubules during cell division.
  • Cilia
    Hair-like cellular projection powered by dynein, enabling movement and fluid flow.
  • Flagella
    Whip-like cellular appendage driven by dynein, facilitating cell motility.