Cytoskeleton | microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments | With Tricks

Cytoskeleton:

Aim of the Article:
After reading this article you will be able to answer the following top 6 questions:

1. What is a cytoskeleton simple definition?
2. What are the 3 types of the cytoskeleton?
3. What are the main proteins present in the cytoskeleton?
4. What is the difference between the three forms of the cytoskeleton?
5. What is the role of the cytoskeleton in the cytoplasm?
6. What is a cytoskeleton? Why it is considered to be an important organelle in the cell?

Meaning of Word:
Cyto= Cell
Skeleton= framework of rigid material.
So the word meaning is Cell Skeleton.

Discovery of Cytoskeleton:
The Cytoskeleton was first studied by Koltzoff in 1928 and later on, Cohen confirmed the study of Koltzoff about Cytoskeleton in 1977.

Definition of Cytoskeleton:
The cytoskeleton is the microscopic network of protein in form of filament and tubules which run throughout the cytoplasm of the cell.

Interesting Facts about Cytoskeleton:
1. Cytoskeletons are non-membranous structures.
2. Present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells because non-membranous structures are absent in both types of cells.
3. Present in the plant as well as in animal cells.
Composition of Cytoskeleton:
They are made up of proteins. The main Proteins in the Cytoskeleton are; Tubulin, Actin, Myosin, Tropomyosin, Keratin, Vimentin, Lamin, etc.

Structure of Cytoskeleton:
Cytoskeleton may be in two forms i.e.
1. Informs of filament.
2. In form of a tubule.
Filament: Small thread-like structure.
Tubule: Tube-like structure hollow from the inside.


Types/ Forms of Cytoskeleton:
There are mainly three forms of Cytoskeleton which are discussed below;
1. Microtubules:
As discussed earlier the Cytoskeleton is composed of proteins, so microtubules are formed from it hence it will also be composed of protein. So the name indicated that microtubules have made up of "Tubulin" proteins. We can say that microtubules are the polymer of tubulin proteins.

Characteristics:
If they are tubule hence they will be;
• Hollow
• Cylindrical
• Long
• Thin
• Unbranched in nature
•
Functions:
Microtubules that help in the formation of the following structures:

i) Centriole
ii) Basal bodies
iii) Cilia and Flagella

2. Microfilament:
They are made up of "Actin" protein hence also named actin filament.

Characteristics:
As the name says they are filament hence they will be;
• Threadlike in structure.
• Thin ( They are the thinnest filaments of the Cytoskeleton).
• Cylindrical.
• They are linked to the inner face of the plasma membrane.

Functions:

√ Help in Cyclosis.
Cyclosis is also known as cytoplasmic streaming, which is the movement and flow of cytoplasm. The benefit of cyclosis is to move nutrients, wastes, organelles, and other different materials from one part of the cell to another part. The important process is facilitated by Microfilament.

√ Help in Contraction of Muscle.
A large concentration of Microfilament is present in muscle cell which is made up of actin protein. Actin protein form myofibrils which are the basic unit of muscle cells that help in muscle movement.

3. Intermediate Filament:
The name intermediate means in between. So they have a diameter in between those or microtubules and Microfilaments.

Characteristics:
• They are also filament (thread-like) in nature.
• They are made up of different proteins like Keratin, Vimentin, Lamin, etc.

Functions:
1. Help in maintaining the cell shape.
2. Provide structure support to the cell.
3. They bear the tension of cells.
4. They are the true skeleton of cells.

Overall Functions of Cytoskeleton:
It is considered an important organelle because:
1. Help in Cell division.
2. Provide movement to the cell.
3. Play a key role in the process of Cyclosis.
4. Also, support the contraction of muscles.
5. Maintain the cell shape.
6. Provide structure support to cells.
7. Help in to bear the tension of cell.


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