Fibers and Cytoskeleton
CYTOSKELETON
Skeleton and muscles of the cell
• mainly in animals: do not have a cell wall
• more developed in large and complex eukaryotic cells + some bacteria
• complex network of fibers extending throughout the cytoplasm
• a dynamic structure: constantly reorganising (changing shape, dividing, moving)
• Role: 1. Organizes the components of the cell
2. Allows cells to take on various shapes
3. Allows the synchronized movements of the cell + intracellular movement of the cell’s
components
4. Supports the large volume of cytoplasm
Without the cytoskeleton, wounds would never heal,
muscles would never contract and
sperm would never reach the egg
• Functions
The internal processes of the cell do not happen randomly but it has a highly organized internal
environment: special functions are concentrated in different areas and connected to each other
by transport systems.
1. places the internal organelles in the correct position
2. ensures the transport of molecules between organelles
3. Ensures the correct division of chromosomes during cell division in animal cells
, Microtubules Actin filaments Intermediate filaments
CYTOSKELETON
Skeleton and muscles of the cell
• mainly in animals: do not have a cell wall
• more developed in large and complex eukaryotic cells + some bacteria
• complex network of fibers extending throughout the cytoplasm
• a dynamic structure: constantly reorganising (changing shape, dividing, moving)
• Role: 1. Organizes the components of the cell
2. Allows cells to take on various shapes
3. Allows the synchronized movements of the cell + intracellular movement of the cell’s
components
4. Supports the large volume of cytoplasm
Without the cytoskeleton, wounds would never heal,
muscles would never contract and
sperm would never reach the egg
• Functions
The internal processes of the cell do not happen randomly but it has a highly organized internal
environment: special functions are concentrated in different areas and connected to each other
by transport systems.
1. places the internal organelles in the correct position
2. ensures the transport of molecules between organelles
3. Ensures the correct division of chromosomes during cell division in animal cells
, Microtubules Actin filaments Intermediate filaments
