CYTOSKELETON

CYTOSKELETON


CYTOSKELETON

  • Filamentous structure which helps in maintaining the cell structure, change in cell shape and its associated functions.

Made of 3 filaments – 

  • Microfilaments
  • Intermediate filaments
  • Microtubules
MICROTUBULES:
  • Dynamic portion of cellular cytoskeleton.
  • Hollow fine tubules made of protein “Tubulin”.
  • Made of 3 globular subunits: α-, β- & γ-tubulin.
  • γ-tubulin – Located in centrosome & has an important role in assembly.
  • α- & β-tubulin – Polymerizing to form microtubules.
Properties of microtubules:
  • Polar.
  • Diameter: 25 nm
  • Dynamic instability.
  • Microtubule assembly utilizes GTP energy.
Functions:
  • Determines cell shape by providing structural support.
  • Aids in cellular movements – Locomotion & intracellular organelles movements.
  • Necessary for formation & function of mitotic spindle.
  • Major structural component of cilia, flagella & axon and dendrites.
INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS:
  • Very stable – Hence, important in maintaining cellular structural integrity
  • Diameter – 10-12 nm.
  • Important components included, 
    • Lamins.
    • Keratins.
    • Desmin – Used diagnostically in pathologic cases to indicate disorders of muscle origin.
    • Neurofilaments.
MICROFILAMENTS:
  • Made of 2 F-actin (filamentous actin).
  • Actin – Most abundant protein in mammalian cells.
  • Useful in muscular contraction.
  • Diameter: 7 – 9.5 nm
  • Microfilaments are abundant in Lamellipodia.

Exam Important

CYTOSKELETON

MICROTUBULES: 

  • Hollow fine tubules made of protein “Tubulin”.
Properties of microtubules:
  • Polar.
  • Dynamic instability.
  • Microtubule assembly utilizes GTP energy.
Functions:
  • Determines cell shape by providing structural support.
  • Necessary for formation & function of mitotic spindle.
INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS:
  • Very stable
  • Important components included, 
    • Lamins.
    • Keratins.
    • Desmin – Used diagnostically in pathologic cases to indicate disorders of muscle origin.
    • Neurofilaments.
MICROFILAMENTS:
  • Made of 2 F-actin (filamentous actin).
  • Useful in muscular contraction.
  • Microfilaments are abundant in Lamellipodia.
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