What Is the Cytoskeleton?
The cytoskeleton is a complex network of protein filaments and tubules that extends throughout the cytoplasm of a cell. It acts as the cell's internal 'skeleton,' providing structural support, maintaining cell shape, and facilitating various forms of cellular movement.
Section 2: Key Components of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is primarily composed of three main types of protein filaments: microtubules, microfilaments (also called actin filaments), and intermediate filaments. Each type has a distinct structure and function, working together to form a dynamic and responsive framework.
Section 3: A Practical Example
A clear example of the cytoskeleton's function is muscle contraction. In muscle cells, microfilaments made of actin slide past another protein called myosin, causing the cell to shorten and generate force. This coordinated action, repeated across millions of cells, results in the movement of the entire muscle.
Section 4: Importance and Applications
Beyond providing shape, the cytoskeleton is crucial for many dynamic cellular processes. It forms tracks for transporting organelles within the cell, enables cell division by forming the mitotic spindle, and allows for cell motility, such as the crawling of an amoeba or the movement of white blood cells.