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Cytoskeleton ​

Tags
Cegep1
Biology
Word count
127 words
Reading time
1 minute

Dynamic network of protein fibres in the cytoplasm

Types ​

Microtubule ​

Hollow rod constructed from globular protein tubulin
Thickest

Functions:

  • Maintains cell shape
  • Organelle movement
  • Chromosome movement
  • Cell movement by cilia and flagella

Microfilament ​

Solid rod constructed from actin
Thinnest

Functions:

  • Maintains cell shape
  • Motility
    • Muscle contraction
    • Pseudopodia formation during phagocytosis
  • Cell division
  • Cytoplasmic streaming

[!abstract] Motility
Ability of a cell to move spontaneously and actively

[!abstract] Cytoplasmic streaming
Cycle of a stream of cytoplasm in a cell

Intermediate filament ​

Diverse class of proteins, including keratin
Medium-size

Functions:

  • Maintains cell shape
  • Fixes organelle location
  • Maintains the shape of nucleus as part of the nuclear lamina

Contributors

Changelog