Cytoskeleton

Question 1

what is the cytoskeleton?

Answer 1

a network of protein fibres

Question 2

what are the two main types of protein fibres in the cytoskeleton?

Answer 2

microfilaments and microtubules

Question 3

are microfilaments solid or hollow strands?

Answer 3

solid

Question 4

are microtubules solid or hollow strands?

Answer 4

hollow- they are tubular

Question 5

what are microfilaments made up of?

Answer 5

mainly actin

Question 6

what are microtubules made up of?

Answer 6

mainly tubulin

Question 7

what movement do microfilaments cause?

Answer 7

cell movement and some organelle movement

Question 8

what movement do microtubules cause?

Answer 8

organelles and other cell contents

Question 9

what drives microfilaments?

Answer 9

rubbing against each other

Question 10

what drives microtubules?

Answer 10

ATP

Question 11

what is the third type of fibre?

Answer 11

intermediate filaments

Question 12

what is the function of the cytoskeleton?

Answer 12

-strengthening and support
-intracellular movement
-cellular movement

Question 13

explain the strengthening and supportive function of the cytoskeleton

Answer 13

-provides mechanical strength, helping maintain shape of cells
-keeps organelle in position

Question 14

explain intracellular movement function of the cytoskeleton

Answer 14

aids transport by forming ‘train tracks’ that organelle can move on eg mitosis

Question 15

what are centrioles?

Answer 15

hollow fibres made of microtubules

Question 16

what is a centrosome?

Answer 16

two centrioles at rights angles to each other

Question 17

what is the role of centrosomes?

Answer 17

organise spindle fibres in cell division

Question 18

what are microtubules made of?

Answer 18

alpha and beta tubulin combined to form dimers, dimers joined to form protofilaments
13 protofilaments in cylinder= microtubules