Study Question Sets for Exam 3
Study Question Set 20 - Microtubules -
Final Questions
- What are the subunits making up microtubules? How are they oriented in the MT?
- What are the "+" and "-" ends of microtubules? Indicate the roles of the "+" and "-" ends in microtubule growth.
- What is a gamma-tubulin ring complex? How is it related to an "MTOC"?
- What are the general roles of microtubules in the cytoplasm of cells?
- Explain what we mean by "minus end MT motor" and "plus-end MT motor". Which description best fits dynein?
- The first known kinesin was discovered in an experimental search for a "plus end MT motor protein". Why? Are all kinesins "plus-end" motors?
- Distinguish between dyneins and classic kinesin in terms of general structure.
- Why is it necessary to have a dramatic reorganization in the number and stability of microtubules when a cell enters mitosis?
- Treating fibroblasts with antibodies recognizing kinesin motor domains causes
the vimentin intermediate filaments of the cell to collapse around the nucleus.
Why?
- When one treats a cultured cell with the MT depolymerizing agent nocodazole, what will be the effect on: (1) the distribution of Golgi complexes? and (b) the ER? Explain.
- Explain the roles of microtubules and actin filaments in the extension of an axon at its "growth cone".
- Indicate the importance of MTs in delivery of vesicles to the cell periphery
in general and to the tips of axons in particular.
Last Study Question Set for Examination 3
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