Does plant has myosin filaments?

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In summary, a myosin II-like protein has been identified in plant cells and it shares similarities with myosin XVIII. This myosin has general functions as a motor protein and component of the cytoskeleton, not just in muscle movement. While type II myosins are typically found in fungi and animals, this discovery suggests they may also play a role in plant growth response and orientation to gravity and light.
  • #1
A010Z
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Most likely.

A myosin II like protein has been purified from tendrils and visualized by electron microscopy. That myosin is double-headed with a 100 nm long tail, which could form "filaments" in plant cell. The myosin II-like protein may be the same as identified myosin XVIII.
 
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  • #2
Can you provide us with a reference for this? If you can't post it as a link, you can send me a Private Message (use the drop down menu when you click on my username) and I can insert it for you.
 
  • #3
Hmm, but myosins are essentially found in every eukaryote (with the exception of certain protists and maybe some algae).
 
  • #4
Well that doesn't make much sense because myosin is (along with actin) the protein that allows the muscles of animals to contract. But plants do tilt towards the sunlight, so maybe there's a little truth to that claim.
 
  • #5
Myosins have general functions as motor proteins (e.g. in organelle movement) as well as components of the cytoskeleton. Muscles are only one particular structure, if a prominent one. It is a logical fallacy to assume that all myosins must therefore be involved in muscle movement.
As I said, almost all eukaryotic cells express myosins as they are an important element of cellular dynamics (including e.g. organelle movement) and stability.
However, type II myosins are generally assumed not to be present in plants (but in fungi and animals). As such the OP did not make particular sense to me why the identified myosin should be class II as well as class xviii (it can only be one or the other). I assume that there must be some confusion as (afaik) class II and xviii myosins are supposed to share a common origin.
 
  • #6
Still working on this one but from What I can tell yes. Myosin and Actin Response Organelle Mobility (New Term the best plant authors are useing for cytoskeleton) is really important in terms of orientating organelle in response to gravity and light leading to gravitropism and phototropism.

Like I said still researching but it looks like Myosin is important in growth response.
 

FAQ: Does plant has myosin filaments?

Does all plants have myosin filaments?

No, not all plants have myosin filaments. Myosin filaments are only found in certain specialized plant cells, such as those in the reproductive organs and in the vascular tissue.

What is the function of myosin filaments in plants?

Myosin filaments play a crucial role in plant cell division, movement of organelles, and transport of nutrients and hormones throughout the plant. They are also involved in the movement and bending of plant cells, such as in response to stimuli like light and gravity.

How are myosin filaments different in plants compared to animals?

While both plants and animals have myosin filaments, they differ in structure and function. Plant myosin filaments are longer and have a different arrangement of subunits compared to animal myosin filaments. Additionally, plant myosin filaments are involved in a wider range of cellular processes compared to animal myosin filaments.

Can myosin filaments be found in all parts of the plant?

No, myosin filaments are only present in certain parts of the plant, such as the reproductive organs and vascular tissue. They are not found in non-specialized plant cells, such as in leaves or stems.

Are myosin filaments essential for plant survival?

Yes, myosin filaments are essential for many important processes in plant growth and development. Without myosin filaments, plant cells would not be able to move, divide, or properly transport nutrients and hormones, which are all crucial for plant survival.

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