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Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton?
Protein synthesis
Cell division
ATP production
Cell support and shape
Cell support and shape
The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of a cell. Its primary role is to maintain the cell's structural integrity, provide mechanical support, and determine its overall shape.
The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of a cell. Its primary role is to maintain the cell's structural integrity, provide mechanical support, and determine its overall shape.
Think of the cytoskeleton like the steel frame or scaffolding inside a building; it holds the walls (plasma membrane) in place and prevents the structure from collapsing while providing pathways for 'elevator' systems (motor proteins) to move items.
M-I-M: Microtubules, Intermediate filaments, Microfilaments (The 3 structural pillars).
FsupportтАЛ=тИСFinternalтАЛ тАФ represents the force balance maintained by the cytoskeleton to preserve cell shape.
The cytoskeleton is composed of three main structures: microfilaments (actin), intermediate filaments, and microtubules (tubulin). These proteins polymerize to form a scaffolding that resists compression and tension, acting like a structural skeleton. Furthermore, motor proteins like dynein and kinesin travel along these tracks to facilitate intracellular transport, while the entire structure provides anchorage for organelles.
Composed of three protein types: actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Provides mechanical resistance to external physical forces.
Essential for motility in some cells, such as amoeboid movement.
Facilitates movement of vesicles and organelles within the cytoplasm.
Provides structural rigidity to animal cells which lack cell walls.
Intracellular transport of vesicles
Maintaining cell polarity
Microtubules have a diameter of approximately 25┬аnm.
Option A (Protein synthesis) is performed by ribosomes.
Option C (ATP production) occurs primarily in the mitochondria.
Option B (Cell division) utilizes the cytoskeleton (spindle fibers) but 'support and shape' is its fundamental constitutive role.
D is correct тАФ The cytoskeleton acts as the structural framework that maintains the shape and provides mechanical support to the cell.
Always remember that while the cytoskeleton helps in cell division (by forming the mitotic spindle), its overarching definition is the structural framework of the cell.
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