KA5: protein control of cell division: the cytoskeleton and cell division

Question 1

describe the role of the cytoskeleton

Answer 1

gives mechanical support and shape to cells

Question 1

describe the structure of the cytoskeleton

Answer 1

it consists of different protein structures including microtubules, which are found in all eukaryotic cells

Question 2

what are microtubules?

what do they do?

Answer 2

Microtubules are hollow cylinders composed of the protein tubulin.

They radiate from the microtubule organising centre (MTOC) or centrosome.

Question 3

what do microtubules control?

Answer 3

The movement of membrane-bound organelles and chromosomes

Question 4

what does cell division require?

Answer 4

remodelling of the cytoskeleton

Question 5

what does the formation and breakdown of microtubules involve?

Answer 5

polymerisation and depolymerisation of tubulin

Question 6

describe the role of microtubules in cell division

Answer 6

Microtubules form the spindle fibres that are active during cell division