Actomyosin
Actomyosin
Actomyosin (/æktoʊˈmaɪəsɪn/) is a complex protein that plays a vital role in muscle contraction and cell motility. It is formed by the binding of the protein myosin to the protein actin.
Etymology
The term "actomyosin" is derived from the two proteins that make up the complex: "actin" and "myosin". The word "actin" comes from the Greek "aktis", meaning ray, due to the filamentous structure of the protein. The term "myosin" is derived from the Greek "myos", meaning muscle.
Function
Actomyosin is responsible for muscle contraction in muscle cells. The myosin molecule binds to an actin filament, and then changes shape to pull the actin along. This process is powered by the hydrolysis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule that cells use to store and transfer energy.
In non-muscle cells, actomyosin is involved in various types of cell movement, including cell division, cell migration, and the maintenance of cell shape.
Related Terms
- Myosin: A type of motor protein that interacts with actin to cause muscle contraction.
- Actin: A protein that forms microfilaments, which are part of the cell's cytoskeleton.
- ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that cells use to store and transfer energy.
- Motor protein: A type of protein that converts chemical energy into mechanical work, often resulting in movement.
- Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells, giving them shape and coherence.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Actomyosin
- Wikipedia's article - Actomyosin
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