Cytoskeleton

Question 1

What is the cytoskeleton?

Answer 1

The cytoskeleton is a network of proteins that is constantly changing to meet the needs of a cell. It is present in each eukaryotic cell.

Question 2

What is the cytoskeleton made of?

Answer 2

It is made of small protein subunits that form long threads, or fibers, that crisscross the entire cell.

Question 3

What is about these fibers?

Answer 3

Three main types of fibers ma ke up the cytoskeleton and allow it to serve a wide range of functions:

1. Microtubules are long hollow tubes. They give the cell its shape and act ad tracks for the movement of organelles. When cells divide, microtubules form fibers that pull half of the DNA into each new cell.
2. Intermediate filaments, which are somewhat smaller than microtubules, give a cell its strenght.
3. Microfilaments, the smallest of the three, are tiny threads that enable cells to move and divide. The play an important role in muscle cells, where they help the muscle contract and relax.

Question 4

REMEMBER!

Answer 4

The cytoskeleton supports and shapes the cell. The cytoskeleton includes microtubules (green) and microfilaments (red)!