Chapter 9, Problem S4.4BYB

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The role of cytoskeleton for eukaryotic cell structure.

Introduction:

The cytoskeleton forms a framework for the cell, like the skeleton forms a framework for the body. It is a network of tiny rods and filaments that are, microtubules; thin, hollow cylinders made of proteins and microfilaments; smaller solid protein fibers. Microtubules and microfilament together helps in maintain the shape of a cell.

Explanation of Solution

Cytoskeleton is an interconnected system of fibers, threads and interwoven molecules that give structure to cell. Main components of cytoskeletons are microtubules, microfilament and intermediated filaments. The proteins of the cytoskeleton allows eukaryotic cell to maintain their shape and it also provide motility.

The roles of cytoskeleton for cell are as follows:

(a) Structural support: Cytoskeleton is responsible for maintaining the shape of cell and it provides anchorage to the cell organelles.

(b) Motility: Cytoskeleton is responsible for cell locomotion depolymerization and repolymerization of actins filaments, and it also helps in muscle movement by cell contraction of actin and myosin filaments.

(c) Signaling: Cytoskeleton provides a path for signal molecule to regulate the cell signaling.

Conclusion

Cytoskeletons forms an interconnected network extended from the nucleus to the plasma membrane and it allows eukaryotic cells to maintain their shape and also helps them in their movement or locomotion.