2.1, 2, 10, 11 Cells And Organelles CYTOSKELETON

Question 1

What is the cytoskeleton?

Answer 1

• a network of fibers throughout the cytoplasm

Question 2

What does the cytoskeleton do? (4)

Answer 2

• gives structural support especially for animal cells, and mechanical support
  HOW?
• anchor organelles
• allow for the movement of vesicles and organelles and/or whole cell
  — movement occurs when the cytoskeleton interacts with motor proteins

Question 3

What are the types of fibers in the cytoskeleton?

Answer 3

1. Microtubules
2. Microfilaments
3. Intermediate filaments

Question 4

What are microtubules? (3)

Answer 4

• hollow red-like structures made of the proteins tubulin
• grow from the centrosome (organization center)
• assist in microtubules assembly

Question 5

What is the function of microtubules? (3)

Answer 5

• serve as structural support (like tracks) for the movement of organelles that are interacting with motor proteins
• assist in the separation of chromosomes during cell division (spindle fibers)
• cell motility (ie. cilia for resp. Cycle, flagella for tail of sperm)

Question 6

What are microfilaments?

Answer 6

• thin solid rods made of the protein actin

Question 7

What is the function of microfilaments? (5)

Answer 7

• maintain cell shape cuz it bears tension
• assist in muscle contra action and cell mobility
• actin works with another protein called myosin to cause a contraction
• division of animal cells
• contractile ring of the cleavage furrow

Question 8

What’s the intermediate filaments? (2)

Answer 8

• fibrous proteins made of of varying subunits

- permanent structural elements of cells

Question 9

What is the function of intermediate filaments? (4)

Answer 9

• maintain cell shape
• Anchor nucleus and organelles
• form the nuclear lamina
  — lines the nuclear envelope