actomyosin

noun

Meaning

A protein complex consisting of actin and myosin that forms the contractile filaments of muscle cells.

Examples

  • The molecular mechanism of muscle contraction relies on the cyclic binding and release of actomyosin filaments.
  • Researchers studied how calcium ions trigger the formation of actomyosin to initiate movement.

Synonyms: contractile protein, myofibril, cytoskeletal element, contractile apparatus