Cytoskeleton

Question 1

what is the cytoskeleton?

Answer 1

a microscopic network of actin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells that give the cell shape and coherence.

Question 2

list from smallest to largest the components of the cytoskeleton

Answer 2

actin filaments (microfilaments)
intermediate filaments
microtubules

Question 3

why are microtubules called dimers?

Answer 3

made up of two molecules - alpha tubulin and beta tubulin - soluble globular proteins

Question 4

where did microtubules originate from?

Answer 4

The microtubule organising centre (MTOC)

Question 5

where is the MTOC?

Answer 5

located near the nucleus and contains the centrosome

Question 6

where is microtubule synthesis or spindle fibre formation?

Answer 6

centrioles

Question 7

what is the role of microtubules in cell division?

Answer 7

spindle fibres are made of microtubules, cytoplasmic microtubules are disassembled to form the microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindles.
microtubules attach to protein at the centromere of chromatids
microtubules separate chromatids