• Within the?cytoplasm?of cells, there is an extensive?network?of?protein fibres
  • This is known as the?cytoskeleton

   

• The cytoskeleton is made up of?two?main types of protein fibres:?microfilaments?and?microtubules
  • Microfilaments are?solid strands?that are mostly made of the protein?actin. These fibres can cause some?cell movement?and the movement of some?organelles?within cells by?moving against each other
  • Microtubules are?tubular (hollow) strands?that are mostly made of the protein?tubulin. Organelles and other cell contents are moved along these fibres using?ATP?to drive this movement

   

• Intermediate filaments (a third type of fibre) are also found within the cytoskeleton

The importance of the cytoskeleton

• The cytoskeleton is?important?as it has several different?functions, including:
• Strengthening and support:
  • The cytoskeleton provides the cell with?mechanical strength, forming a kind of 'scaffolding' that helps to maintain the?shape?of the cell
  • It also supports the organelles, keeping them in?position

   

• Intracellular (within cell) movement:
  • The cytoskeleton aids?transport?within cells by forming 'tracks' along which?organelles?can?move
  • Examples of this include the movement of vesicles and the movement of chromosomes to opposite ends of a cell during cell division

   

• Cellular movement:
  • The cytoskeleton enables?cell movement?via?cilia?and?flagella
  • These structures are both hair-like extensions that protrude from the cell surface and contain?microtubules?that are responsible for moving them

   

The cytoskeleton provides mechanical strength to cells, aids transport within cells and enables cell movement