7.6: The Cytoskeleton

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    State 4 different functions associated with the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells.

    The cytoskeleton is a network of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. The cytoskeleton functions to:

    1. give shape to cells lacking a cell wall;
    2. allow for cell movement,e.g. , the crawling movement of white blood cells and amoebas or the contraction of muscle cells;
    3. movement of organelles within the cell and endocytosis;
    4. cell division, i.e., the movement of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis and the constriction of animal cells during cytokinesis.

    We will now take a closer look at microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, centrioles, flagella, and cilia.

    Microtubules

    Microtubules are hollow tubes made of subunits of the protein tubulin. They provide structural support for the cell and play a role in cell division, cell movement, and movement of organelles within the cell. Microtubules are components of centrioles, cilia, and flagella (see below).

    Microfilaments

    Microfilaments are solid, rodlike structures composed of actin. They provide structural support, and play a roll in phagocytosis, cell and organelle movement, and cell division.

    Intermediate filaments

    Intermediate filaments are tough fibers made of polypeptides. They help to strengthen the cytoskeleton and stabilize cell shape.

    Centrioles

    Centrioles are located near the nucleus and appear as cylindrical structures consisting of a ring of nine evenly spaced bundles of three microtubules. Centrioles play a role in the formation of cilia and flagella. During animal cell division, the mitotic spindle forms between centrioles.

    Summary

    1. The cytoskeleton is a network of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
    2. The cytoskeleton has a variety functions including, giving shape to cells lacking a cell wall, allowing for cell movement, enabling movement of organelles within the cell, endocytosis, and cell division.

    This page titled 7.6: The Cytoskeleton was last modified on Thu, 31 Aug 2023 18:55:06 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Gary Kaiser via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.