MEMBRANE RUFFLING Meaning and
Definition
-
Membrane ruffling is a cellular process commonly observed in various types of cells, particularly in mammalian cells. It refers to the dynamic rearrangement and deformation of the cell membrane, leading to the formation of numerous small, irregular protrusions or folds on the cell surface. These membrane ruffles are transient and can rapidly appear and disappear during various cellular activities.
The process of membrane ruffling is primarily driven by the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, which is the network of protein filaments that provides structural support and enables cell movement. Actin filaments undergo rapid assembly and disassembly at the plasma membrane, resulting in the formation of these ruffles. Additionally, the involvement of proteins such as Rho GTPases, which regulate actin dynamics, also plays a crucial role in initiating and controlling membrane ruffling.
Membrane ruffling serves multiple functions in cells. It plays a crucial role in processes such as cell migration, cell adhesion, phagocytosis, and signal transduction. By altering the cell surface area, membrane ruffling enables the cell to explore its environment, establish contact with neighboring cells, and respond to extracellular cues. It also facilitates the internalization of extracellular materials through endocytosis. Furthermore, membrane ruffling is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including wound healing, embryonic development, immune response, and cancer metastasis.
In summary, membrane ruffling is the dynamic rearrangement and deformation of the cell membrane, driven by actin cytoskeleton remodeling. It enables cells to explore their environment, establish contacts and signals, and facilitate diverse cellular processes essential for normal cell function.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANE RUFFLING
- nembrane ruffling
- kembrane ruffling
- jembrane ruffling
- mwmbrane ruffling
- msmbrane ruffling
- mdmbrane ruffling
- mrmbrane ruffling
- m4mbrane ruffling
- m3mbrane ruffling
- menbrane ruffling
- mekbrane ruffling
- mejbrane ruffling
- memvrane ruffling
- memnrane ruffling
- memhrane ruffling
- memgrane ruffling
- membeane ruffling
- membdane ruffling
- membfane ruffling
- membtane ruffling
Etymology of MEMBRANE RUFFLING
The term "membrane ruffling" is a scientific term used in cell biology and refers to the process of protrusion and folding of the cell membrane. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Membrane: The word "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrana", which means "parchment" or "thin skin". In biology, "membrane" specifically refers to a thin, flexible layer that separates compartments or structures within organisms.
2. Ruffling: The term "ruffling" comes from the verb "ruffle", which originally meant "to wrinkle" or "to disturb the surface of". Its origin can be traced back to the Middle English word "ruffelen" and the Old Norse word "hrufa", both having similar meanings.
Therefore, "membrane ruffling" can be understood as the wrinkling or disturbance of the cell membrane.
