Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Myosin-Specific Adaptations of In vitro Fluorescence Microscopy-Based Motility Assays
Published on: February 4, 2021
Recent advances in understanding plant myosin function: life in the fast lane
1School of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK. isparkes@brookes.ac.uk
Abstract:
Plant myosins are required for organelle movement, and a role in actin organization has recently come to light. Myosin mutants display several gross morphological phenotypes, the most severe being dwarfism and reduced fecundity, and there is a correlation between reduced organelle movement and morphological defects. This review aims to discuss recent findings in plants relating to the role of myosins in actin dynamics, development, and organelle movement, more specifically the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). One overarching theme is that there still appear to be more questions than answers relating to plant myosin function and regulation.
Related Concept Videos
Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins
Overview of Myosin Structure and Function
The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells
Role of Myosin in Cell Migration
Myosin II is a hexamer comprising two heavy chains with globular heads and coiled-coil tails, two regulatory light chains, and two essential light chains. The ATPase sites on the myosin heads hydrolyze ATP, and the released phosphate generates the force for contraction. It is...
ATP Driven Pumps I: An Overview
There are four main types of ATP-driven pumps - P-type, V-type, F-type, and ABC transporter. All these pumps are of varying complexities and are...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.

