112k views
0 votes
How are actin filaments (MFs) arranged in migrating cells?

1) Parallel to the cell membrane
2) Perpendicular to the cell membrane
3) Randomly distributed throughout the cell
4) In a spiral pattern around the nucleus

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

In migrating cells, actin filaments are primarily arranged 1)parallel to the cell membrane within the cell's cortex, enabling cell shape maintenance and facilitating cell motility.

Step-by-step explanation:

Actin filaments (microfilaments or MFs) are primarily arranged in a specific pattern in migrating cells. They can be found just beneath the plasma membrane in a structure known as the cortex, which is critical for cellular movements. The actin filaments help cells to maintain their shape by resisting deformation and enable cell motility through interaction with motor proteins like myosin. This interaction facilitates processes such as the amoeboid movement and cytokinesis. In particular, during cell migration, actin filaments are dynamically reorganized at the leading edge of the cell to extend forward in structures known as filopodia. As the cell moves, at the back end, they also contribute to retracting the cell. Generally, actin filaments tend to lie in the cortex of the cell, parallel to the cell membrane, supporting cellular shape and enabling changes in that shape.

User Justin Leitgeb
by
8.1k points