The Cytoskeleton (copy)

Microfilaments

• Narrowest diameter

• Contain protein actin (can contract)

• Involved in cell movement and cell division (pulls cell membrane during cytokinesis).

Intermediate filaments

• Middle diameter size

• Formed from a range of different proteins

• Strengthens the cell

Microtubules

• Largest diameter

• Formed from tubulin subunits, which form tubulin polymers, which form hollow microtubules.

• Moves organelles (e.g. vesicles), forms spindle fibres used in mitosis and meiosis, and form a complex network to help determine the shape of cells.