CYTOCHALASIN D Meaning and
Definition
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Cytochalasin D is a naturally occurring macrocyclic fungal metabolite that is commonly used in laboratory research to study cell biology and cytoskeletal dynamics. It is a member of the cytochalasin family of compounds, which are known for their ability to disrupt actin filament assembly within cells.
In a more specific sense, cytochalasin D is a potent inhibitor of actin polymerization, acting by binding to the barbed end of actin filaments and preventing the addition of new monomers. This disruption of actin dynamics leads to alterations in cell shape, motility, and intracellular transport processes. In addition, cytochalasin D blocks the formation of membrane extensions such as filopodia and lamellipodia, which are crucial for cell migration and cell-cell communication.
The effects of cytochalasin D can be observed in various cell types, including both animal and plant cells. It has been particularly useful in revealing the mechanisms underlying cellular processes such as cytokinesis, endocytosis, phagocytosis, and exocytosis.
Due to its potent and specific action on actin, cytochalasin D has become an indispensable tool for studying the cytoskeleton and its functions. It has paved the way for numerous discoveries in cell biology and has found applications in various fields including cancer research, immunology, neurobiology, and developmental biology.
Common Misspellings for CYTOCHALASIN D
- xytochalasin d
- vytochalasin d
- fytochalasin d
- dytochalasin d
- cttochalasin d
- cgtochalasin d
- chtochalasin d
- cutochalasin d
- c7tochalasin d
- c6tochalasin d
- cyrochalasin d
- cyfochalasin d
- cygochalasin d
- cyyochalasin d
- cy6ochalasin d
- cy5ochalasin d
- cytichalasin d
- cytkchalasin d
- cytlchalasin d
- cytpchalasin d
Etymology of CYTOCHALASIN D
The word "Cytochalasin D" is composed of two parts: "cytochalasin" and "D".
The term "cytochalasin" originates from the Greek words "cyto" (meaning cell) and "chalasis" (meaning relaxation). It was coined by the American microbiologist, Robert E. Strobel, in 1967 when he discovered a group of naturally occurring compounds that had the ability to disrupt cellular functions. These compounds were eventually named "cytochalasins" due to their impact on cell shape and movement.
The letter "D" in "Cytochalasin D" refers to a specific variant or subtype of the cytochalasin compound.
