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fibrous actin

chemical compound
Also known as: F-actin

Quick Summary

Fibrous actin, also known as F-actin, is a protein that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction and cellular structure and movement. It is the polymerized form of actin, contrasting with G-actin, which is globular and monomeric. F-actin forms filaments that are essential components of the cytoskeleton in various cell types.12

In muscle cells, F-actin assembles into long strands that interact with myosin filaments. This interaction, powered by the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), causes the filaments to slide past each other, resulting in muscle contraction. In non-muscle cells, actin filaments are dynamic structures involved in maintaining cell shape, enabling cell motility, facilitating cytokinesis, and transporting vesicles.12

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