Cytoskeleton

Question 1

What is the cytoskeleton?

Answer 1

a network of fibres in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell

Question 2

What are the three components of the cytoskeleton?

Answer 2

• Microfilaments
• Microtubles
• Intermediate fibres

Question 3

What are microfilaments made from?

Answer 3

Actin

Question 4

What type of molecule is actin?

Answer 4

Protein

Question 5

What are the functions of microfilaments?

Answer 5

• maintain cell shape
• move cells via contraction
• cell contraction in cytokinesis

Question 6

What are microtubles made from?

Answer 6

Tubulin

Question 7

What sort of molecule is tubulin?

Answer 7

Globular protein

Question 8

What are the functions of microtubles?

Answer 8

• determines shape of cell
• maintains cell shape
• acts as track for movement of organelles around the cell
• move cells via flagella/cilia
• form spindle fibres which move chromosomes during cell division

Question 9

What are the functions of intermediate fibres?

Answer 9

• gives mechanical strength to cells

- helps maintain cell integrity