Key Concepts of Section 18.8

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Key Concepts of Section 18.8

Coordination and Cooperation Between Cytoskeletal Elements

  • Intermediate filaments are linked both to specific attachment sites on the plasma membrane (called desmosomes and hemidesmosomes) and to microfilaments and microtubules (see Figure 18-52).

  • In animal cells, microtubules are generally used for the long-range delivery of organelles, whereas microfilaments handle their local delivery.

  • The signaling molecule Cdc42 coordinately regulates microfilaments and microtubules during cell migration.

  • The advancement of growth cones in neurons requires the interplay of microfilaments and microtubules.