Question

Which elements of the cytoskeleton are responsible for the contractions of the cell? ___ and ____ (the first one pulls on the second one in the plasma membrane).

a) Actin; Myosin
b) Tubulin; Keratin
c) Intermediate filaments; Actin
d) Microfilaments; Microtubules

Answer 1

Actin and myosin are the cytoskeletal elements responsible for cell contractions, where myosin pulls on actin filaments during muscle contraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The elements of the cytoskeleton responsible for the contractions of the cell are actin and myosin. Actin and myosin are two types of fibers that play a central role in muscle contraction. Actin forms thin filaments, which are organized into twisted chains, known as microfilaments. Myosin forms thicker filaments and interacts with actin filaments. During muscle contraction, the myosin filaments pull on the actin filaments, causing the cell to contract. This interaction is essential for movement and is a well-studied example of cellular motility.