actin

noun

Meaning

A globular multi-functional protein that forms microfilaments in the cytoskeleton and the thin filaments in muscle fibrils.

Examples

  • Muscle contraction occurs when actin filaments slide over myosin filaments.
  • The cytoskeleton is maintained by a complex network of actin and microtubules.

Synonyms: protein, microfilament, cytoskeletal protein