The actin cytoskeleton plays several key roles in cellular biology:
Cell Shape and Structure: It helps maintain the cell’s shape and provides mechanical support. Cell Motility: It is essential for cellular movements such as migration, which is important in processes like wound healing and embryonic development. Intracellular Transport: Actin filaments serve as tracks for the movement of organelles and vesicles within the cell. Cell Division: During mitosis, actin filaments are involved in forming the contractile ring that separates the daughter cells. Signal Transduction: Actin dynamics are linked to various signaling pathways, influencing cell behavior in response to external stimuli.