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Molecular Infrastructure

supporting cells, tissues and organisms

Cells build huge molecular support structures. These include the large networks of filaments that form the cellular cytoskeleton and the even larger networks of filaments between cells that support tissues and organs. Atomic structures have revealed the shapes of these molecules and the keys to their strength.

Molecule of the Month Articles (14)

Actin

Actin Branching by Arp2/3 Complex

Cadherin

Cellulose Synthase

	Actin Cells are supported by a cytoskeleton of protein filaments
	Actin Branching by Arp2/3 Complex By mimicking actin, Arp2/3 complex helps build a complex cytoskeleton that supports and shapes cells.
	Cadherin Adhesive cadherin proteins hold neighboring cells together
	Cellulose Synthase Plants build tough cellulose strands one sugar at a time.
	Collagen Sturdy fibers of collagen give structure to our bodies
	ESCRT-III ESCRT-III forms helical assemblies that remodel cellular membranes
	Hyaluronidases Long carbohydrate chains are used to make our bodies flexible and resilient.
	Integrin Integrins forge flexible linkages between the infrastructure inside and outside of cells
	Microtubules The largest filaments of the cytoskeleton provide tracks for transport throughout the cell
	Pilus Machine A molecular machine with a rotary motor builds a long protein filament involved in bacterial motility and attachment.
	Proteins and Biominerals Small biomineral crystals are used to build bone, eggshells and even tiny compasses.
	Tissue Transglutaminase and Celiac Disease Tissue transglutaminase staples proteins together by forming a chemical crosslink.
	Titin The giant protein titin organizes the structure of muscle and gives them elasticity
	Vaults Cells build huge vault containers constructed of a symmetric arrangement of many subunits

	JCVI-syn3A Minimal Cell Cross-section through an entire JCVI-syn3A minimal cell showing an entire cellular proteome.
	CytoSkeleton Conceptual illustration of cytoplasm and cytoskeleton inside a human cell.
	Model of a Mycoplasma Cell Image of a 3D model of an entire mycoplasma cell.
	Cellulose Synthase Cellulose synthase plays a central role in the construction of plant cell walls
	Escherichia coli Bacterium A cross-section through an Escherichia coli cell reveals the crowded nature of the cell and diverse molecular processes.
	Collagen and Extracellular Matrix A dense network of fibrous molecules, including many collagens, connect cells in our bodies.
	Red Blood Cell Cytoskeleton Cross section through a red blood cell membrane shows the distinctive cytoskeleton
	Lipid Droplets Lipids such as fats and cholesterol are stored in large droplets inside cells.
	Biosites: Cytoplasm Biosites: Cytoplasm (2005) by David S. Goodsell
	Biosites: Red Blood Cell Biosites: Red Blood Cell (2005) by David S. Goodsell
	Biosites: Basement Membrane Biosites: Basement Membrane (2005) by David S. Goodsell.
	Biosites: Muscle Biosites: Muscle (2005) by David S. Goodsell
	Blood Blood (2000) by David S. Goodsell.

	Exploring Carbohydrates Guide The RCSB provides many tools to explore the functional roles of carbohydrates.
	Lesson Plans Other Resource

	Alpha-Catenin Connections
	Archaeal Lipids
	Bacterial Armor
	Chronophin
	Making Lipopolysaccharide

Molecular Infrastructure

Molecule of the Month Articles (14)

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Goodsell Molecular Landscapes (13)