Cytoskeleton

Cytoskeleton Function

1. Provides cell shape and structure.

2. Spatially organizes contents of cell.

3. Connects cell to external environment.

4. Allows for movement of molecules or structures within a cell.

5. Generates forces that enable cell to move and change shape

Cytoskeleton Function 1-2

1. Provides cell shape and structure.

2. Spatially organizes contents of cell.

Cytoskeleton Function 3-4

Connects cell to external environment.

Allows for movement of molecules or structures within a cell.

Cytoskeleton Function 5

Generates forces that enable cell to move and change shape

Cytoskeletal Filaments and sizes

Actin Filaments 7 nm

Intermediate Filaments 10 nm

Microtubules 25 nm

Actin Filaments subunits

Actin monomers

Actin Filaments structure

Helical

Actin Filaments properties

1. Asymmetric or polar (ends are different)

2. Form diverse structures

3. Often concentrated near cell edge

Microtubules subunits

Tubulin heterodimers

Microtubules filament structure

Hollow tubes

Microtubules properties

1. Asymmetric or polar (ends are different)

2. Rigid and straight

3. Frequently have minus end attached to a microtubule-organizing center (MTOC)