Cell Migration And The Cytoskeleton

Question 1

Outline the structure of the cytoskeleton

Answer 1

Made of long polymeric proteins
Found in the cytoplasm and between organelles

Question 2

Outline the cytoskeletons in a neuron

Answer 2

Microtubules- keep nucleus and organelles in place, acts as tracks for vesicles carrying neurotransmitters
Intermediate filaments- strengthen the axon from the inside
Microfilaments- push the membrane at the growth cone and in the dendrites

Question 3

Outline cytoskeleton in cell motility

Answer 3

Actin microfilaments push the cell membrane making the cell move forward
Different structures can appear, depending how the filaments interact together

Question 4

Outline the cytoskeleton in cell division

Answer 4

Microtubules form the mitotic spindle, positions the chromosomes at the metaphase plane
Push the sister chromatids away from each other
Constricts the cell membrane, separating the daughter cells

Question 5

Outline microfilaments

Answer 5

-made of actin monomers
-thin and stiff, can be built and destroyed quickly
-reinforce and shape the cell membrane

Question 6

Outline Microtubules

Answer 6

-made of tubulin monomers
-very strong, have a clear polarity
-generally use to move things inside the cell.

Question 7

Outline intermediate filaments

Answer 7

-made of different types of monomers
-flexible, can withstand mechanical stress
-generally used to hold things in place