Kinesin
Kinesin
Kinesin (/kaɪˈniːsɪn/) is a type of protein that moves along microtubule structures within cells. It is a motor protein that converts chemical energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into mechanical work.
Etymology
The term "kinesin" derives from the Greek word kinesis, meaning movement. It was first used in the scientific literature in 1989 to describe a newly discovered family of motor proteins.
Function
Kinesins play a key role in intracellular transport, moving vesicles and organelles along microtubules. They are also involved in mitosis, the process of cell division, where they help to separate the chromosomes.
Structure
Kinesins are composed of two heavy chains and two light chains. The heavy chains form the motor domain, which binds to microtubules and ATP, while the light chains are involved in cargo binding.
Related Terms
- Motor protein: A type of protein that converts chemical energy into mechanical work.
- Microtubule: A component of the cell's cytoskeleton that provides structure and shape to the cell.
- Intracellular transport: The movement of vesicles and organelles within the cell.
- Mitosis: The process of cell division.
See Also
- Dynein: Another type of motor protein that moves along microtubules.
- Myosin: A motor protein that moves along actin filaments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kinesin
- Wikipedia's article - Kinesin
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