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Concept

Myosin

A spherical structure with numerous thin, branching appendages extending outward, resembling a conceptual representation of myosin, a motor protein involved in muscle contraction and intracellular movement.

A family of motor proteins that walk along actin filaments by burning ATP, generating the force behind muscle contraction and many forms of intracellular movement. In dividing cells, myosin partners with actin to constrict the membrane between the two emerging daughters. The principle is the same as in a bicep: small molecular legs taking coordinated steps along a track, scaled up to do mechanical work.

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