Cytoskeleton Flashcards
1
Q
Whats a cytoskeleton?
A
A network of protein micro filaments and micro tubules that run through the cytoplasm
2
Q
What are microfilaments?
A
Strands of proteins (actin)that act as tracks for things to move along in the cell
3
Q
What are microtubules?
A
Hollow protein tubes (like centrioles)
4
Q
Draw a cytoskeleton
A
physical notes
5
Q
Give features of microfilaments
A
- known as actin filaments
- made of protein actin
- finer / thinner than microtubules
- give all shape and resist tension
- anchor organelles
- involved in cell movement, contraction and cell shape changes
- play a role in cellular processes like cytokinesis (cell division), cell adhesion and cell signalling
6
Q
What are features of microtubules?
A
- tube = hollow
- made of protein tubulin
- larger than microfilaments
- similar to centrioles (9+2 arrangement)
- more organelles
- resist compression
- provides structural support to cell
- tracks for intracellular transport
- allows movement of organelles, vesicles and other cellular components
- plays crucial role in cell division by forming the mitotic spindle, which helps segregate chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis
7
Q
What are the functions of cytoskeleton?
A
- structure support to give (animal) cells their shape
- helps organelles into position
- moves components within the cell eg separating of chromosomes during cell division or exocytosis / cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm)
- maintaining cell shape
- provides structural support
- processes such a cell division, cell movement and intracellular transport
8
Q
What are the three types of fibre in a cytoskeleton ?
A
- microfilaments
- intermediate filaments
- microtubules
9
Q
What does it mean when you say that the cytoskeleton is a dynamic network?
A
Moving / Changing
10
Q
State how the cytoskeleton moves organelles around the cell
A
Using microtubules / tubulin / motor proteins
11
Q
Give the functions of intermediate filaments
A
- larger diameter than microfilaments but smaller than microtubules
- they are composed of various proteins ie keratins, laminated and vimentin
- they provide mechanical strength, support to cells, anchoring cellular organelles and maintaining cell integrity
