actin

¹

[ak-tuhn]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a globulin that is present in muscle plasma and that in connection with myosin plays an important role in muscle contraction.

actin-

²

1. variant of actino- before a vowel.

   actinism.

actin

/ ˈæktɪn /

noun

1. a protein that participates in many kinds of cell movement, including muscle contraction, during which it interacts with filaments of a second protein, myosin

actin

1. A protein found in all eukaryotic cells, forming filaments that make up a main component of the cell's supporting matrix or cytoskeleton. Actin and the protein myosin together make up the contractile units (called sarcomeres) of skeletal muscle fibers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of actin¹

1940–45; perhaps act + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of actin¹

C20: from _act + _-in

Example Sentences

This structure is a dynamic network of actin fibers that affects how stiff or tall the cells become.

From Science Daily

Actin achieves this by assembling into filaments, one actin molecule at a time.

From Science Daily

Ultimately, they found that when the DRD2 pathway was activated, the host's ability to produce an actin regulatory protein was compromised.

From Science Daily

Yet, a research team led by Kyoto University have previously observed that the actin network constantly moves over FAs as a single unit: a unique phenomenon contradicting prevailing notions.

From Science Daily

Composed of actin filaments and motor proteins, it generally acts as a driver for shape changes in cells.

From Science Daily