A network of protein filaments within a biological cell that contributes to shape, mechanical support and motion. Its coupling to the lipid bilayer adds mechanical responses, including shear elasticity, absent from an isolated fluid bilayer.
An assembly of actin filaments and myosin motors. Network architecture, motor activity and attachments determine how contractile activity produces cellular or tissue deformation.
A repeating contractile unit of striated muscle containing organized filament systems. Its maturation contributes to force production but does not alone establish a cell's proliferative state.
actomyosin contractility generates force through interactions of myosin motors with actin networks. The resulting load depends on network organization, attachments and resistance from the surroundings.
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One major advantage: eukaryotes can do phagocytosis due to their cytoskeleton.