Summary
A network of protein filaments that maintains cell shape, anchors organelles and enables movement.
In depth
The cytoskeleton has three filament types: microfilaments (actin, 7 nm) support shape and movement, intermediate filaments (about 10 nm) provide tensile strength, and microtubules (tubulin, 25 nm) form tracks, the spindle, cilia and flagella.
It is dynamic, constantly assembling and disassembling. Motor proteins move cargo along it. It also anchors organelles and transmits mechanical signals from outside the cell.
Actin filaments are polar and grow fastest at the plus end, a process that can push the membrane forward in cell crawling. Microtubules radiate from the centrosome and form 9+2 arrays inside cilia and flagella. Intermediate filaments are the most stable and vary by tissue: keratins in epithelia, neurofilaments in neurons, vimentin in connective tissue and lamins in the nucleus.
Prokaryotes also have homologues, such as FtsZ (like tubulin) that forms a ring at division and MreB (like actin) that shapes the cell.
Example: in epidermolysis bullosa, mutations in keratin make skin cells fragile and cause blistering from minor friction.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cytoskeleton?
A network of protein filaments that maintains cell shape, anchors organelles and enables movement.
Which area of biology covers Cytoskeleton, and how advanced is it?
Cytoskeleton is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Cytoplasm, Extracellular Matrix, Motor Proteins.
Can you give an example of Cytoskeleton?
Keratin intermediate filaments make skin cells strong; mutations cause blistering diseases.
What should I learn before Cytoskeleton?
Cytoskeleton is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Cell Biology that pair well with it include Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell.
What topics are related to Cytoskeleton?
The closest topics to Cytoskeleton are Cytoplasm, Extracellular Matrix, Motor Proteins, Nucleus. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Cytoskeleton?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cytoskeleton. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Cytoskeleton different from Cytoplasm?
Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments that maintains cell shape, anchors organelles and enables movement. Cytoplasm: The jelly-like fluid and suspended structures between the plasma membrane and nucleus where many reactions occur. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Cytoskeleton step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Cytoplasm and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.