cytoskeleton
(noun)
A cellular structure like a skeleton, contained within the cytoplasm.
Examples of cytoskeleton in the following topics:
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Microfilaments
- Microfilaments, which are the thinnest part of the cytoskeleton, are used to give shape to the cell and support all of its internal parts.
- This network of protein fibers is known as the cytoskeleton.
- There are three types of fibers within the cytoskeleton: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
- Of the three types of protein fibers in the cytoskeleton, microfilaments are the narrowest.
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Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules
- Microtubules are part of the cell's cytoskeleton, helping the cell resist compression, move vesicles, and separate chromosomes at mitosis.
- The cytoskeleton is the framework of the cell which forms the structural supporting component.
- Microtubules are the largest element of the cytoskeleton.
- With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the widest components of the cytoskeleton.
- Describe the roles of microtubules as part of the cell's cytoskeleton
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Adherens Junctions
- Adherens junctions provide strong mechanical attachments between adjacent cells through the linkage of cytoplasmic face with cytoskeleton.
- The actin microfilaments of the cytoskeleton (the internal skeleton of the cell).
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Injuring the Plasma Membrane
- It serves as the attachment surface for several extracellular structures, including the cell wall, glycocalyx, and intracellular cytoskeleton.
- The plasma membrane also plays a role in anchoring the cytoskeleton to provide shape to the cell and in attaching to the extracellular matrix and other cells to help group cells together to form tissues .
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Characteristics of Eukaryotic DNA
- Mitosis, a process of nuclear division wherein replicated chromosomes are divided and separated using elements of the cytoskeleton, is universally present in eukaryotes.
- The cytoskeleton contains structural and motility components called actin microfilaments and microtubules.
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Interphase
- Some cell organelles are duplicated, and the cytoskeleton is dismantled to provide resources for the mitotic phase.
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Microscopic Anatomy
- Desmosomes, which bind adhesion proteins to the cytoskeleton within cells, thus connecting the cells.
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Components of Plasma Membranes
- The plasma membrane also plays a role in anchoring the cytoskeleton to provide shape to the cell, and in attaching to the extracellular matrix and other cells to help group cells together to form tissues.
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Cell Migration in Multicellular Organisms
- It generally involves drastic changes in cell shape which are driven by the cytoskeleton, for instance a series of contractions and expansions due to cytoplasmic displacement.
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MreB and Determinants of Cell Morphology
- MreB is a cytoskeleton element that assembles into filamentous structures within the bacterial cytoplasm.