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Dictionary > Cell structure > Cytoskeleton (actin filaments)

 Staining of actin filaments in human cell line U-2 OS
Scale bar represents 10µm

Cytoskeleton (actin filaments)

Actin filaments are assembled close to the plasma membrane, either as long, fragile bundles of filaments, or small patches. They make up part of the cell cortex, a supportive layer just beneath the plasma membrane, and are responsible for both cell movement and morphology. Actin filaments end with focal adhesions, which connect the cell to the extracellular matrix.

Immunofluorescent staining

Staining of actin filaments is easy to recognize as they are often localized close to the plasma membrane. They can usually be seen as long, very straight and parallel filaments that are outlining the edges of the cell.

Examples IF

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4

Examples IH

Example 5