The Cytoskeleton

Cytoskeleton

A network spread throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, consisting of Actin filaments, Intermediate filaments, and Microtubules.

Controls how things move, cell shape, and the movement of things within the cell.

e.g.

Chromosomes pulled to opposite ends of cell by spindle apparatus by cytoskeleton.

Actin filaments

Twisted chains of actin protein providing cell movement and division, concentrated near the plasma membrane for strength, continuously growing and shrinking.

Intermediate filaments

Rope-like fibers of 8 protein strands twisted together, contributing to cell shape and mechanical strength.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes of alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin proteins, organizing the cell internally, aiding in transport and forming scaffold-like structures.

Motor proteins

Proteins like Kinesins and Dyneins that transport organelles within the cell along Microtubules, facilitating cellular movement and distribution.

Vesicles

Structures consisting of a lipid bilayer membrane enclosing a fluid interior, used by motor proteins to transport molecules within the cell.

Cell migration

The movement of cells over a surface, facilitated by the cytoskeleton and motor proteins like Kinesins and Dyneins.