Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the presence and role of myosin filaments in plants, exploring whether myosin proteins, particularly myosin II-like proteins, are found in plant cells and their potential functions in cellular dynamics and growth responses.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that a myosin II-like protein has been identified in plants, specifically from tendrils, and may form filaments.
- One participant requests a reference for the claim regarding myosin in plants.
- Another participant notes that myosins are generally found in most eukaryotes, raising questions about their role in plants.
- There is a discussion about the traditional association of myosin with muscle contraction in animals, with some participants questioning how this relates to plant movement towards light.
- One participant clarifies that myosins serve broader functions as motor proteins and components of the cytoskeleton, not solely related to muscle movement.
- It is mentioned that type II myosins are generally not thought to be present in plants, leading to confusion about the classification of the identified myosin.
- Another participant discusses ongoing research into the role of myosin and actin in organelle mobility and their importance in plant growth responses to environmental stimuli.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the presence and classification of myosin in plants, with some supporting the idea of myosin filaments while others question the applicability of myosin types traditionally associated with animals. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific roles and classifications of myosin in plant cells.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of myosin types and the assumptions about their presence in plants versus other eukaryotes. The exact nature of the identified myosin and its classification remains unclear.