actin

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀκτίς (aktis, “ray”), based on the shape of the filament formed, and the English chemical suffix -in.

Noun

actin (countable and uncountable; plural actins)

1. (biochemistry, uncountable) A globular structural protein that polymerizes in a helical fashion to form an actin filament (or microfilament).
2. (biochemistry, countable) One of the six isoforms of actin.

Derived terms

• actomyosin
• conductin
• isoactin

See also

• actinic
• myosin

Anagrams

• antic
• can it