BRAINCAKECytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibres running through the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It is not fixed: its fibres are constantly assembled and broken down as the cell needs them.
Three types of fibre
• Microfilaments: the thinnest fibres (about 7 nm), made of the protein actin. They are found especially just under the cell surface membrane. With the motor protein myosin they cause movement, for example the contraction of muscle, the pinching in two of an animal cell after division, and the movement of white blood cells.
• Intermediate filaments: rope-like fibres (about 10 nm) made of various proteins, such as keratin. They are very strong and give the cell mechanical strength, anchoring the nucleus and holding cells together in tissues.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- motor protein
- A protein that converts chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into movement, for example moving vesicles along microtubules.
More in Eukaryotic Cells
All 30 lessons in Eukaryotic Cells · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics