Introduction
The cytoskeleton is a network of filaments and tubules that runs throughout a cell, through the cytoplasm. It can be found in all cells, though the proteins that make it up differ from one organism to the next. The cytoskeleton provides support for the cell, shapes organelles, organises and teters them, and aids chemical transport, cell division, and cell signalling.
Cytoskeleton
A cytoskeleton is also required for cells to maintain their form. The cytoskeleton is the backbone of the cell, as the term cyto means ‘cell’.
To put it another way, the cytoskeleton is the cell’s framework. It is both well-organized and adaptable. Although it does not appear to be the same as our skeleton, some portions of it can function similarly to our bones and muscles.
Cytoskeleton Function
The cytoskeleton works similarly to our skeleton. It gives structural support to the cell, allowing it to maintain its shape, move around, and defend itself from external stresses. Mechanical stress is the result of external forces acting on the cell.
Mechanical stress is created by the two people tugging on your arms. Because your muscles and skeleton prevent the force from splitting you in half, you do not split in half. Similarly, the cytoskeleton allows the cell to resist changes in shape.
The cytoskeleton also serves additional purposes. It supports the cell membrane, aids in the even division of chromosomes during cell division, and helps in the recovery of any external harm. It also plays a role in organelle trafficking, or the movement of cell components such as mitochondria from one section of the cell to another.
The components of the cytoskeleton are not single-stranded, but are made up of many strands of three primary components, just as there is strength in numbers. There are auxiliary proteins that help with cytoskeletal assembly, disassembly, stability, and cellular transport in addition to the three core components.
Cytoskeleton Structure
Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments are the three types of fibres that make up the cytoskeleton. Microtubules are the thickest and microfilaments are the thinnest of these fibres, with microtubules being the thickest.
Cytoskeleton Structure: Microfilaments
Microfilaments, also known as actin filaments, are tiny, solid rods that help muscles contract. Muscle cells have a high concentration of microfilaments. They are found in all eukaryotic cells, just like microtubules. Microfilaments have a diameter of up to 8 nm and are mostly made up of the contractile protein actin. They also help organelles move around.
Cytoskeleton Structure: Microtubules
The human body is made up of 206 bones. Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments are the three primary components of the cytoskeleton, which do not have bones per se.
The three primary components of the cytoskeleton are all various sizes, much like your bones are. Microtubules are the largest. Microtubules look like their name suggests. They have a diameter of about 24 nanometres and resemble small (micro) round hollow tubes (tubules).
Tubulin is a protein that makes up microtubules. Microtubules appear to have a lucky number of 13. The tube is made up of thirteen tubulin molecules connected together. Microtubules are extremely fast-moving structures. This implies that they are adaptable.
They’re always expanding or contracting, like a rope that’s ravelling and unwinding at one end. Microtubules play a role in cell division by transporting cellular resources and dividing chromosomes.
Cytoskeleton Structure: Intermediate Filaments
The intermediate filaments are the cytoskeleton’s middle or intermediate-sized components (IF). It has the appearance of a thin thread. IFs have the appearance of thin threads. They’re a medium-sized meshwork that supports the cell like a net, with a diameter of roughly ten nanometres.
Interestingly, numerous types of IF proteins exist, and not all cells have the same type of IF protein. In fact, some cells don’t have any IF at all. Keratin is an example of an IF protein. You may not have heard of it, but you will be familiar with the shape it takes. Keratin is the protein that makes up your fingernails and hair, as well as binding your skin together. IFs help in the protection of cells against mechanical stress.
Cytoskeleton Function
There are following Function of Cytoskeleton which are listed below:
- Generally it assists the cell in maintaining its form and provides support.
- The cytoskeleton keeps a variety of cellular organelles in place.
- It aids in the development of vacuoles.
- The cytoskeleton is a dynamic framework that may deconstruct and rearrange its components to allow for internal and overall cell mobility. Transport of vesicles into and out of a cell, chromosome manipulation during mitosis and meiosis, and organelle migration are all examples of intracellular movement supported by the cytoskeleton.
Conclusion
A cytoskeleton is also required for cells to maintain their form. The cytoskeleton is the backbone of the cell, as the term cyto means ‘cell’.
To put it another way, the cytoskeleton is the cell’s framework. It is both well-organized and adaptable.
Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments are the three types of fibres that make up the cytoskeleton. Microtubules are the thickest and microfilaments are the thinnest of these fibres, with microtubules being the thickest. Microfilaments, also known as actin filaments, are tiny, solid rods that help muscles contract. Muscle cells have a high concentration of microfilaments. They are found in all eukaryotic cells, just like microtubules.