Figure 16-80. One model of how forces generated in the actin-rich cortex might move a cell forward.

Figure 16-80One model of how forces generated in the actin-rich cortex might move a cell forward

The actin-dependent extension and firm attachment of a lamellipodium at the leading edge stretches the actin cortex. The cortical tension then draws the body of the cell forward to relax some of the tension. New focal contracts are made and old ones are disassembled as the cell crawls forward. The same cycle can be repeated over and over again, moving the cell forward in a stepwise fashion. The newly polymerized cortical actin is shown in red.

From: Actin-binding Proteins

Cover of Molecular Biology of the Cell
Molecular Biology of the Cell. 3rd edition.
Alberts B, Bray D, Lewis J, et al.
New York: Garland Science; 1994.
Copyright © 1994, Bruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, and James D Watson.

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