Cell motility

Cell Motility is a biological phenomenon that involves the movement of cells from one location to another. This movement can be either passive, as in the case of cell migration due to external forces, or active, as in the case of cell locomotion where the cell actively moves using its own energy.

Overview

Cell motility is an essential process in many biological events, including embryogenesis, wound healing, and immune response. It is also involved in pathological processes such as cancer metastasis and inflammation. The mechanisms of cell motility are complex and involve a variety of cellular components, including the cytoskeleton, motor proteins, and cell membrane.

Mechanisms of Cell Motility

Cell motility is primarily driven by the cytoskeleton, a network of protein filaments that provides structural support to the cell and also facilitates movement. The main components of the cytoskeleton involved in cell motility are actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.

Actin Filaments

Actin filaments, also known as microfilaments, are thin, flexible protein strands that are a major component of the cell's cytoskeleton. They are primarily involved in cell motility through a process known as actin polymerization, where individual actin molecules join together to form a filament.

Microtubules

Microtubules are hollow, tube-like structures that are a key component of the cytoskeleton. They play a crucial role in cell motility by providing tracks along which motor proteins can move.

Intermediate Filaments

Intermediate filaments are a type of cytoskeletal component that provide mechanical strength to cells. While they are not directly involved in cell motility, they play a supporting role by maintaining cell shape and integrity during movement.

Role in Disease

Abnormal cell motility can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, increased cell motility is a hallmark of cancer cells, which allows them to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

See Also

• Cytoskeleton
• Actin
• Microtubules
• Intermediate filaments
• Cell migration
• Cell locomotion