Cytoskeleton and motility · USMLE Step 1

Which step is NOT directly dependent on actin and myosin-mediated cytoskeletal contraction during cell motility?

  1. Protrusion of the leading edge (lamellipodium)
  2. Adhesion of leading edge to substrate
  3. Release and retraction of the trailing edge
  4. Polymerization of microtubules during mitosis
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Correct answer: Polymerization of microtubules during mitosis

Polymerization of microtubules during mitosis is mediated by tubulin and microtubule dynamics, not actin-myosin contractility, which is responsible for protrusion, adhesion, and trailing-edge retraction in cell motility.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 21

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