MEMBRANE RUFFLE Meaning and
Definition
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A membrane ruffle refers to a dynamic and transient feature found on the cell membrane of eukaryotic cells. It is characterized by the formation of small, irregular, and finger-like projections or folds on the cell surface. These ruffles primarily occur due to localized rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton underneath the cell membrane.
Membrane ruffles play crucial roles in various cellular processes and physiological functions. They are involved in numerous cellular functions, including cell movement, cell adhesion, signal transduction, and endocytosis. The formation of membrane ruffles is generally initiated by various extracellular stimuli, such as growth factors or chemotactic agents, which trigger the activation of cell surface receptors. These receptor-mediated signaling events lead to the reorganization of actin filaments, causing the membrane to protrude and form ruffles.
The actin cytoskeleton is usually rearranged through the action of actin-binding proteins, such as the Arp2/3 complex, which nucleates new actin filaments. This nucleation process is followed by elongation of the newly formed actin filaments, which push the membrane outward, leading to the formation of ruffles. Membrane ruffles are highly dynamic structures and can rapidly change in shape and size. They can fuse and break apart, allowing cells to explore their surroundings, respond to external cues, and participate in various physiological processes.
Overall, membrane ruffles are essential cellular structures that enable eukaryotic cells to interact with their environment, facilitating processes such as cell migration, adhesion, and signaling.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANE RUFFLE
- nembrane ruffle
- kembrane ruffle
- jembrane ruffle
- mwmbrane ruffle
- msmbrane ruffle
- mdmbrane ruffle
- mrmbrane ruffle
- m4mbrane ruffle
- m3mbrane ruffle
- menbrane ruffle
- mekbrane ruffle
- mejbrane ruffle
- memvrane ruffle
- memnrane ruffle
- memhrane ruffle
- memgrane ruffle
- membeane ruffle
- membdane ruffle
- membfane ruffle
- membtane ruffle
Etymology of MEMBRANE RUFFLE
The word "membrane ruffle" can be broken down into two parts: "membrane" and "ruffle".
The term "membrane" originates from the Latin word "membrana", which means "thin layer" or "skin". In biology, a membrane refers to a thin, sheet-like structure that separates two compartments or encloses a cell or an organelle.
The word "ruffle" is derived from the Middle English word "rufle" or "roufel", which means "fold" or "pleat". It can be traced back to the Old English word "hrūfel" and the Old Norse word "hrufa", both of which also mean "fold" or "wrinkle". In the context of a membrane ruffle, "ruffle" refers to the characteristic irregular folding or protrusion observed at the cell membrane.
