STRESS FIBRES Meaning and
Definition
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Stress Fibres are specialized cytoskeletal structures found in cells that play a crucial role in cell migration, shape maintenance, and force generation. These structures consist of bundled actin filaments along with associated accessory proteins such as myosin and vinculin.
Stress Fibres are important components of the cytoskeleton, which provides structural support to the cell and helps maintain its shape. They are involved in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, cell contraction, and cell migration.
The main function of Stress Fibres is to transmit mechanical forces across the cell and enable it to respond to external stimuli, such as changes in the surrounding environment. These fibres generate tension by contracting and pulling on the extracellular matrix or other adjacent cells. The actin filaments within the Stress Fibres provide stability and structural integrity, while the myosin proteins allow for contractility and force generation.
Stress Fibres are commonly observed in many cell types, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and muscle cells. They are particularly abundant in cells that experience mechanical stress, such as during wound healing or tissue development.
Stress Fibres can be visualized using various microscopy techniques, such as immunofluorescence or electron microscopy. Disruptions or abnormalities in Stress Fibres have been associated with pathological conditions, such as cancer metastasis, cardiovascular diseases, and tissue fibrosis.
In summary, Stress Fibres are specialized cytoskeletal structures consisting of bundled actin filaments that provide mechanical support, enable cell contraction, and facilitate cell migration. They play a critical role in cellular response to mechanical forces and contribute to various physiological and pathological processes.
Common Misspellings for STRESS FIBRES
- atress fibres
- ztress fibres
- xtress fibres
- dtress fibres
- etress fibres
- wtress fibres
- srress fibres
- sfress fibres
- sgress fibres
- syress fibres
- s6ress fibres
- s5ress fibres
- steess fibres
- stdess fibres
- stfess fibres
- sttess fibres
- st5ess fibres
- st4ess fibres
- strwss fibres
- strsss fibres
Etymology of STRESS FIBRES
The term "stress fibres" is derived from the field of cell biology and specifically refers to the network of cytoskeletal filaments that form inside cells under mechanical stress. The etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Stress: The word "stress" originated from the Old French word "estresse" which meant "narrowness, oppression, difficulty, or hardship". It later evolved to refer to mental or emotional strain, as well as physical pressure or tension.
2. Fibres: The term "fibres" stems from the Latin word "fibra" which translates to "a thread-like structure". It is used to describe long, slender structures that are thread-like in appearance.
Therefore, "stress fibres" refers to the filamentous structures that are formed within cells due to mechanical stress or tension, often observed in cells undergoing contraction or migration.
