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Actin Based Movement definitions

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  • Actin
    A protein forming dynamic filaments that drive the extension of cellular protrusions during non-muscle movement.
  • Cell Crawling
    A process where an entire cell moves across a surface using actin-based protrusions and surface attachments.
  • Chemotaxis
    A movement response of a cell toward or away from varying chemical concentrations in its environment.
  • Cytoplasmic Streaming
    The rapid flow of cytosol within a cell, creating visible internal movement, especially in plant cells and slime molds.
  • Protrusion
    The initial extension of actin-rich structures from a cell's surface, enabling forward movement.
  • Attachment
    The step where a cell adheres to a surface or extracellular matrix using specialized membrane proteins.
  • Translocation
    The stage where the cell's body is pulled forward, anchored by surface attachments, after protrusion.
  • Detachment
    The release of cell-surface connections, allowing the cell to repeat the movement cycle.
  • Pseudopodia
    Actin-based extensions typical in amoebas, used to reach out and pull the cell forward during movement.
  • Lamellipodia
    Broad, sheet-like actin-rich protrusions at the leading edge of a moving cell.
  • Filopodia
    Thin, spike-like actin-based projections at the cell's leading edge, aiding in sensing and movement.
  • Integrins
    Transmembrane proteins on the cell surface that anchor the cell to the extracellular matrix, acting like Velcro.
  • Extracellular Matrix
    A network outside the cell to which surface proteins attach during cell crawling.
  • Plasma Membrane
    The cell's outer boundary where actin-based protrusions extend and integrins are embedded.
  • Cytosol
    The fluid component inside the cell where cytoplasmic streaming occurs.