Cytoskeleton: Structure and Function

to give the cell its shape and mechanical resistance to deformation

microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules

It extends from the cell nucleus to the cell membrane and is composed of similar proteins in various organisms

<p>cell signaling pathways, uptake of extracellular material, segregation of chromosomes, cytokinesis, intracellular transport, and formation of specialized structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>flagella, cilia, lamellipodia, and podosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microtubules are polymers of tubulin, consisting of alpha and beta tubulin dimers that polymerize into protofilaments, which then associate laterally to form a hollow tube. The most common form of a microtubule consists of 13 protofilaments in a tubular arrangement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microtubules play an essential role in maintaining the cell's structure, forming the cytoskeleton, providing the internal structure of cilia and flagella, serving as platforms for intracellular transport, and facilitating cell division through the formation of mitotic spindles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microtubules are nucleated and organized by microtubule-organizing centers, such as the centrosome, basal bodies of cilia and flagella, or spindle pole bodies found in fungi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microtubules can be as long as 50 micrometers, as wide as 23 to 27 nm, and have an inner diameter between 11 and 15 nm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microtubules provide platforms for intracellular transport and are involved in the movement of secretory vesicles, organelles, and intracellular macromolecular assemblies, contributing to various cellular processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers