Cytoskeleton

Question 1

Where is the cytoskeleton found?

Answer 1

Cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells

Question 2

Purpose of cytoskeleton

Answer 2

Fibres necessary for shape and stability of a cell. Hold organelles in place and control cell movement.

Question 3

3 components of cytoskeleton

Answer 3

1. Microfilaments
2. Microtubules
3. Intermediate fibres

Question 4

Microfilaments

Answer 4

Contractile fibres formed from the protein actin.
Responsible for cell movement and contraction during cytokinesis, the process in which cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell is divided to form two daughter cells.

Question 5

Microtubules

Answer 5

Globular tubulin proteins polymerise to form tubes that are used to form scaffold structures which determine the shape of a cell.
Act as tracks for the movement of organelles.

Question 6

Intermediate fibres

Answer 6

Give mechanical strength to cells and help maintain their integrity.

Question 7

Centrioles

Answer 7

Present in most eukaryotic cells except flowering plants and fungi.
Composed of microtubules.
Two centrioles form the centrosome which is involved in the assembly of spindle fibres in cell division.

Question 8

Importance of cytoskeleton!!

Answer 8

Provide mechanical strength to cells, aiding transport within cells and enabling cell movement.