GLOBULAR ACTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Globular actin, also known as G-actin, is a protein subunit involved in the formation of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. It is one of the two major forms of actin, the other being filamentous actin (F-actin).
Globular actin is a monomeric protein, meaning it exists as a single unit as opposed to the polymerization of F-actin into long filaments. It is a highly conserved protein found in all eukaryotic organisms. G-actin is involved in numerous cellular processes, including cell structure and movement, cell division, and intracellular transport.
The structure of globular actin consists of a compact sphere-like shape. It is approximately 5 nanometers (nm) in diameter and composed of a single polypeptide chain folded into a three-dimensional structure. This conformation allows for interactions with other globular actin subunits and the formation of F-actin filament networks.
In its inactive state, G-actin binds to adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Upon hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), G-actin undergoes a conformational change, exposing its hydrophobic surface and facilitating polymerization into F-actin filaments.
Globular actin plays a vital role in cell motility, as F-actin filaments generated from G-actin subunits provide structural support and generate forces necessary for cellular movement. Additionally, globular actin is involved in intracellular signaling pathways, such as calcium ion regulation and gene expression.
In summary, globular actin is a monomeric protein subunit involved in cell structure, movement, division,
Common Misspellings for GLOBULAR ACTIN
- flobular actin
- vlobular actin
- blobular actin
- hlobular actin
- ylobular actin
- tlobular actin
- gkobular actin
- gpobular actin
- goobular actin
- glibular actin
- glkbular actin
- gllbular actin
- glpbular actin
- gl0bular actin
- gl9bular actin
- glovular actin
- glonular actin
- glohular actin
- glogular actin
- globylar actin
Etymology of GLOBULAR ACTIN
The word "globular actin" has its etymology rooted in both Latin and Greek origins.
The term "actin" originates from the Greek word "aktis" (ἀκτίς), meaning "ray" or "beam". It was coined by the Czech biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi, who discovered this protein in 1942 while studying muscle contraction. The name actin emphasizes its role in producing the contractile force, comparable to the way rays of light emanate from a source.
The word "globular" comes from the Latin word "globulus", meaning "small sphere" or "ball". In the context of actin, "globular" describes the shape and structure of monomeric actin (G-actin), which is a compact, roughly spherical protein.
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