Question

Actin filaments have polarity. This means that the two ends can be identified due to structural differences. The plus end is the end to which subunits are added more rapidly. True or False

Answer 1

Answer:

True

Explanation:

Actin is a globular protein which can polymerize to form long filaments called actin filaments. These filaments are abundant in muscle cells but are also found in other places.

While polymerizing, the new actin monomers always join the existing filament in the same orientation hence the filament becomes polar. It has a barbed end and a pointed end. Barbed end is also called plus end because monomers are added to this end five to ten times faster than the minus or pointed end. As a result, the filament overall grows in the plus end direction. Hence, the given information about actin filament is true.