Review Question - QID 106481

This question stem is describing the function of microtubule associated motor proteins. These are primarily known as dynein and kinesin.

Microtubule associated motor proteins are ATP-dependent proteins that track along the microtubules within cells to move substances to and from the nucleus. These proteins are essential to cellular functioning, especially in cell types that have long projections such as neurons. Kinesin is primarily involved in anterograde transport while dynein is essential for retrograde transport within the cell.

Franker et al. review the importance of intracellular protein transport. Microtubule transport is essential for neurons that require the transport of cellular building blocks to locations far from the nucleus. Strong associations have been revealed between disturbances in microtubule or associated protein function and the development of neurodegenerative disorders.

Chet et al. review the association between dynein and the development of neurodegenerative disease. Genetic relationships have been shown between inherited mutations in dynein and the development of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease. It is believe that a large part of disease development is the inability to clear aggregation-prone proteins from the cytosol.

Illustration A is an image of a relationship between dynein, kinesin and microtubules.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Troponin is a protein associated with muscle function.
Answer 3: Actin is a protein associated with muscle function and cellular structure.
Answer 4 & 5: Myosin is an ATP-dependent protein associated with muscle sarcomere function.