actins
|ac-tins|
C1
/ˈæktɪnz/
(actin)
protein filament
Etymology
Etymology Information
'actin' originates from the Greek word 'aktis,' meaning 'ray' or 'beam,' reflecting its role in forming structures within cells.
Historical Evolution
'aktis' transformed into the scientific term 'actin' in the 19th century, used to describe the protein's structural role in cells.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a 'ray' or 'beam,' but now it specifically denotes a protein involved in cellular structure and movement.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a group of globular multi-functional proteins that form microfilaments, a part of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells.
Actins play a crucial role in muscle contraction and cell movement.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/30 21:36