Cytoskeleton Dynamics Simulation

Cell shape, transport, movement and division

Experiment

Mission: change free tubulin and catastrophe rate, then observe alternating microtubule growth and shrinkage.

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Cytoskeleton conditions

65%
70%
35%
40%

Live measurements

Microtubule length58%
Growth stateGrowing
Cargo position12%
Motor speed0.0 μm/s
Actin protrusion20%
Network stability75%
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Length, cargo and actin activity

MicrotubuleCargoActin

View and structure focus

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Chapters

Cytoskeleton Dynamics Simulation

The cytoskeleton is a living network that continually assembles, disassembles and moves material. This simulation connects structure to cell shape, transport, movement and division.

Learning objectives

  • Compare microtubules, actin filaments and intermediate filaments.
  • Explain microtubule growth, catastrophe and rescue.
  • Relate ATP-powered motor proteins to directional cargo transport.
  • Connect actin treadmilling to changes at the cell edge.
  • Explain how a mitotic spindle moves chromosomes.

Key concepts

Dynamic instability: microtubules switch between growth and rapid shrinkage. Polarity: filament ends are structurally different. Motor transport: kinesin and dynein move in preferred directions. Treadmilling: actin subunits add and leave at different ends. Mechanical support: intermediate filaments resist tension.

Suggested experiments

  • Set free tubulin high and catastrophe tendency low.
  • Raise cargo load while lowering ATP.
  • Choose Actin and cell movement, then change ATP supply.
  • Choose Mitotic spindle and track one chromosome.

Questions for exploration

  • Why does high tubulin not prevent every catastrophe?
  • How does cargo load affect motor speed?
  • Which network best resists stretching?

Real-world applications

Cytoskeleton dynamics support neuron transport, immune-cell movement, wound healing and chromosome separation. Some cancer medicines work by changing microtubule dynamics.

Common misconceptions

  • The cytoskeleton is not a rigid, permanent skeleton.
  • Microtubules and actin do not perform identical jobs.
  • Motor proteins do not move without chemical energy.
  • Dynamic instability is regulated behavior, not random damage.

Cytoskeleton quiz

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