Background for actin
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actin

/ˈæktɪn/

Meanings
noun
A globular structural protein that polymerizes in a helical fashion to form an actin filament (or microfilament).

Examples :

"The biology class learned that actin is a protein that forms long, thin fibers inside cells, giving them shape and helping them move. "
biochemistry biology anatomy medicine physiology substance part

Related Words

Illustration structural

structural noun

/ˈstrʌktʃərəl/ /ˈstrʌktʃərəl/

Structural steel, used in construction.

"The building's structural steel supports the weight of the roof. "

Illustration globular

globular noun

/ˈɡlɑb.jə.lɚ/

A globular cluster

"The astronomer pointed out the globular cluster in the night sky. "

Illustration different

different noun

/ˈdɪf.(ə)ɹ.ənt/

The different ideal.

"My family has a different ideal for my future than I do. "

Illustration helical

helical adjective

/ˈhiːlɪkəl/

In the shape of a helix.

"The DNA molecule has a helical structure, resembling a twisted ladder. "

Illustration filament

filament noun

/ˈfɪləmənt/

A fine thread or wire.

"The lightbulb's filament glowed brightly. "

Illustration focusing

focusing verb

/ˈfoʊkəsɪŋ/ /ˈfoʊkəsɪn/

(followed by on or upon) To concentrate one's attention.

"I have to focus on my work."

Illustration polymerizes

polymerizes verb

/pəˈlɪməˌraɪzɪz/

To convert a monomer to a polymer by polymerization.

"The liquid plastic hardens when it polymerizes under the UV light, creating a durable surface. "

Illustration specifically

specifically adverb

/spəˈsɪf.ɪk.li/

In a specific manner, applying to or naming a particular thing or things, expressly, explicitly

"My teacher explained the new math formula specifically for students in the advanced class. "

Illustration protein

protein noun

/ˈpɹəʊti.ɪn/ /ˈpɹoʊtiːn/

Any of numerous large, complex naturally-produced molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, in which the amino acid groups are held together by peptide bonds.

"My mother added extra protein to her lunch to help her build muscle. "

Illustration fashion

fashion noun

/ˈfæʃən/

A current (constantly changing) trend, favored for frivolous rather than practical, logical, or intellectual reasons.

"The latest fashion in school uniforms is bright, neon colors, even though many parents think they are impractical. "

Illustration scientist

scientist noun

/ˈsaɪ.ən.tɪst/

One whose activities make use of the scientific method to answer questions regarding the measurable universe. A scientist may be involved in original research, or make use of the results of the research of others.

"The scientist studied the effects of different types of soil on plant growth. "

Illustration microfilament

microfilament noun

/ˌmaɪkroʊˈfɪləmənt/

A very fine (thin) filament.

"The cell's shape is maintained by a network of proteins, including the extremely thin microfilament. "