Module 7: The Cytoskeleton

Question 1

Cytoskeleton: function

Answer 1

To help the cell maintain its structure and organization
Assist with changing the cell’s shape, repositioning the internal organelles, and even moving the cell from place to place

Question 2

Cytoskeleton: structure

Answer 2

Made of protein filaments within the cytoplasm
3 main filaments: actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.

Question 3

Filaments

Answer 3

Responsible for cell movements → muscle contractionand movement of cilia → important for movement of the cell and a multicellular organism overall
The 2 most important filaments= actin filaments and microtubules

Question 4

Actin filaments (aka microfilaments) and microtubules: structure

Answer 4

Both are made of globular proteins that can assemble (via polymerization) and disassemble (via depolymerization) within the cell

Question 5

Intermediate filaments

Answer 5

Size: in between the size of actin filaments and of microtubules
Made of fibrous protein subunits
Key feature = they are a lot more stable