The cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton system
- a network of fibers extending throughout the cytoplasm
- Fibers appear to support the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and “free” ribosomes
- Gives mechanical support to the cell
- Is involved in cell motility, which utilizes motor proteins
- Rodlike pieces that provide support and allow movement and mechanisms that can move the cell or its parts
Figure 1. cytoskeleton system
Main components of cytoskeleton system
Microfilaments
- Solid rods of globular proteins.
- Important component of cytoskeleton which offers support to cell structure.
- Microfilaments can slide past each other, causing shortening of the cell
Figure 2. Microfilaments
Intermediate filament
Intermediate filaments are twisted protein strands slightly thicker than microfilaments; they form much of the supporting framework in many types of cells.
Figure 3. Intermediate filament
Microtubules
- Shape the cell
- Guide movement of organelles (their function is to move things around in the cell)
- Help separate the chromosome copies in dividing cells
The centrosome
An area of the cytoplasm near the nucleus that coordinates the building and breaking of microtubules in the cell. It’s considered to be a “microtubule-organizing center”
- Plays an important role during cell division
- Contains a pair of centrioles
Centrioles
- Self-replicating
- Made of bundles of microtubules.
- Help in organizing cell division.
Figure 4. microtubules, centrioles, centrosome.
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