While testing an experimental drip on a vertebrate cell, you notice that the cell cortex becomes more fluid and the cell loses its ability to move. Despite this, you determine that cell strength is maintained. Based on these observations, you correctly conclude that the drug most directly affects:
A) myosin
B) β-tubulin
C) α-tubulin
D) actin filaments
E) intermediate filaments

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Actin filaments are primarily responsible for cell movement and the cell cortex's fluidity. The observation that the cell loses its ability to move and the cortex becomes more fluid, yet cell strength is maintained, suggests that the drug affects actin filaments. Actin is crucial for cell motility and structure, while intermediate filaments (not directly implicated here) are more related to cell strength and integrity.

While Testing an Experimental Drip on a Vertebrate Cell, You