Cytoskeleton

• Cytoskeleton

  -an extensive network of protein fibres in the cytoplasm

  -made up of two main types of protein fibres: microfilaments and microtubules

  • Microfilaments are solid strands that are mostly made of the protein actin ->can cause some cell movement and the movement of some organelles within cells by moving against each other
  • Microtubules are tubular (hollow) strands that are mostly made of the protein tubulin. Organelles and other cell contents are moved along these fibres using ATP to drive this movement
  • Intermediate filaments (type of fibre) in them
• Importance of cytoskeleton part 1


  • The cytoskeleton is important as it has several different functions, including:
  • Strengthening and support:
  • The cytoskeleton provides the cell with mechanical strength, forming a kind of 'scaffolding' that helps to maintain the shape of the cell
  • It also supports the organelles, keeping them in position
• Importance of cytoskeleton part 2

  • Intracellular (within cell) movement:
  • The cytoskeleton aids transport within cells by forming 'tracks' along which organelles can move
  • Examples of this include the movement of vesicles and the movement of chromosomes to opposite ends of a cell during cell division
• Importance of cytoskeleton part 3

  • Cellular movement:
  • The cytoskeleton enables cell movement via cilia and flagella
  • These structures are both hair-like extensions that protrude from the cell surface and contain microtubules that are responsible for moving them