Microtubules

What are micro tubules for?

They make up the cytoskeleton of a cell, providing support and allows movement in the cell

What are the different parts of microtubules

Made up of protein dimer (either alpha or beta tubulin) and the dimers join to form protofilament and protofilaments join to make a microtubule

What is the cytoskeleton

The extensive network of protein fibres within the cytoplasm

What are the two main protein fibres in the cytoskeleton?

Microfilaments and micro tubules

What are microfilaments?

Small strands mostly made of the protein, actin

How do the fibres help with cell movement and organelles movement?

By moving against each other

What are microtubules?

Tubular strands mostly made up of the protein, tubulin

What protein is microfilaments made of?

Actin

What protein is microtubules made out of?

Tubulin

What is used to drive the movement of organelles and other cell contents in the cytoskeleton?

ATP

What is the importance of the cell strength and support given by the cytoskeleton?

• Provides the cell with mechanical strength, maintaining the shape of the cell

• Supports organelles by keeping them in position

What is the importance of the intracellular movement allowed by the cytoskeleton?

It aids transport within cells by forming tracks along which organelles can move

What is the importance of cellular movement provided by the cytoskeleton?

• the cytoskeleton enables the cell movement via cilia and flagella

What do flagella and cilia have in common?

They both have hair-like extensions which protrude from the cell’s surface containing microtubules and are responsible for moving them