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

/ ăk′tĭn /

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