The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments found within the cytoplasm of cells.
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Structural Support
The cytoskeleton provides structural support to the cell, giving it shape, strength, and stability.
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Cell Motility
The cytoskeleton enables cellular movement by providing tracks for the transport of organelles, vesicles, and other cellular components.
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Cell division
The cytoskeleton plays a critical role in cell division by forming the mitotic spindle and facilitating chromosome segregation.
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Intracellular support
It aids in the transport of materials within the cell, allowing for the movement of organelles and vesicles along cytoskeletal tracks.
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Cell adhesion
The cytoskeleton is involved in cell adhesion processes, including the formation of cell-cell junctions and anchoring cells to the extracellular matrix.
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Intermediate filaments
The earliest cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotes were likely the intermediate filaments, providing mechanical support and stability.
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Actin filaments
Actin filaments evolved later and are found in eukaryotes, providing cellular motility, shape changes, and intracellular transport.
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Microtubules
Microtubules, composed of tubulin proteins, are believed to have emerged later in evolution and are involved in cell division, intracellular transport, and cell shape.
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Cross-linking proteins
Crosslinking proteins, including spectrin and filamin, evolved to strengthen and stabilize the cytoskeletal network.
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Actin
Actin is a highly conserved protein that forms filaments in eukaryotic cells.
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Myosin
Myosin is a family of motor proteins found in eukaryotic cells that interact with actin filaments.
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Microtubules
Microtubules are hollow cylindrical structures composed of protein subunits called tubulins.
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Septins
Septins are a family of GTP-binding proteins that form filamentous structures and are involved in diverse cellular processes.
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Cell polarization
Cell polarization refers to the asymmetric distribution of cellular components, such as proteins, organelles, and cytoskeletal elements, within a cell.
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Cell migration
Cell migration refers to the movement of cells from one location to another within an organism.
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