Cytoskeleton and motility · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following best describes how cytoskeletal dysfunction could contribute to neurodegenerative or muscular diseases?

  1. By preventing receptor-mediated endocytosis of nutrients only
  2. By weakening cells' tensile strength and causing structural failure
  3. By dramatically increasing the rate of uncontrolled cell proliferation
  4. By enhancing excessive microtubule polymerization
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Correct answer: By weakening cells' tensile strength and causing structural failure

Defects in intermediate filaments or associated linker proteins impair cellular structural integrity, making cells — especially in muscle or nerve tissue — more susceptible to mechanical stress and damage, contributing to disease pathology.

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