Read Lamellipodia and Cell Crawling
A short NSEB read on lamellipodia and cell crawling, followed by the linked original question(s).
Living-system questions are solved by matching a structure or organism to its function, process and stated condition.
Core idea
Crawling cells extend broad, sheet-like lamellipodia at the leading edge through actin polymerisation. Adhesion proteins such as integrins couple the cell to its substrate, while actomyosin contraction helps move the cell body forward. Pseudopodia are broader, less sheet-like protrusions; distinguish the structure that extends from the molecules that anchor it.
Actin-driven crawling
Lamellipodia are broad actin-rich membrane protrusions used by many crawling embryonic cells.
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- ✓Crawling cells extend broad, sheet-like lamellipodia at the leading edge through actin polymerisation.
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