Unit 3: Cytoskeleton

Question 1

List the

Functions of the cytoskeleton

Answer 1

1. Mechanical support
2. Maintain cell shape
3. Anchors organelles
4. Cell motility

Question 2

What is

Cell motility

Answer 2

Movement of the cell or movement of parts within the cell

Question 3

Three types of fibers in the cytoskeleton

Answer 3

1. Microtubules
2. Microfilaments
3. Intermediate filaments

Question 4

What are microtubules made of?

Answer 4

Tubulin proteins
Can assemble / disassemble to grow / shrink

Question 5

What important cell structures are made of microtubules?

Answer 5

Centrosomes / centrioles
Cilia
Flagella

Question 6

Function of

Centrosome / centriole

Answer 6

Produce microtubules, especially during cell division

Question 7

Structure & function of

Cilia

Answer 7

Short, hair-like extensions of membrane supported by microtubules
Moves materials
Ex: airways are lined with cilia, which beat to move mucus and liquids upward

Question 8

Structure & function of

Flagella

Answer 8

Long, whip-like extension of membrane supported by microtubules; usually singular or in pairs
Moves the cell
Ex: sperm cells use flagella to move toward ovum

Question 9

What are

Actin filaments

Answer 9

Another name for microfilaments

Question 10

Important use for

Microfilaments

Answer 10

Helping muscle cells contract