Cytoskeleton: What is, characteristics, function and structure

The cytoskeleton is a Filament network made of proteinwhich function as a support matrix for the components where it is located.

The cytoskeleton It is inside the cell cytoplasmwhich is the medium that contains cell organelles. It is one of the two components that make up the cytoplasm, together with the cytosol, which is the aqueous substance. It is found so much in prokaryotic cells, which are those that do not have true nucleus, and eukaryotic cells, which do have a delimited nucleus.

• The most important characteristic of the cytoskeleton is that it has three -dimensional formwhich means that it gives structure and volume to the cytoplasm, as well as to the cellular organelles, so that it can fulfill its functions.
• Is formed as a Geodetic structurewhere opposite forces stabilize the complete set. ´
• Is Flexible, but firmthanks to the particular characteristics of the proteins that make it up.

• Organize the cell: The cytoskeleton is the matrix on which the organelles settle, so one of their functions is that each of them is in their place. Before it was believed that the organelles floated alone in the cytosol, but over time it was discovered that the cytoplasm not only consisted of the liquid substance called cytosol, but also had the fiber matrix called cytoskeleton.
• Give support to the cell: Being fibrous proteins, cytoskeleton helps give rigidity to the cell. This is particularly convenient in animal cells that lack cell wall, as plant cells have.
• They allow an orderly movement inside the cell: Although the organelles are fixed thanks to the cytoskeleton, this is also flexible to allow the displacement of small movements that occur inside the cell, such as that of the cytoplasmic current within the plant cells. The movements inside the cell are called cell motility.
• Regulate biochemical processes within the cell: The cytoskeleton, through cell motility, is the one that allows a flow of components manufactured within the organelles, and that this can be displaced inside the cell as part of the biochemical processes necessary to carry out their functions.

The cytoskeleton is made by protein, each with different characteristics and functions. It varies according to the cell type, and then it is detailed what are the differences in the structure.

Cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells

For this type of cell, the parts of the cytoskeleton are as follows:

• Microtubules: They are composed of a protein called tubulin, which is found in its alpha and beta forms. They are flexible and hard. They have the ability to appear and disappear, according to the needs of the cell. They help move the organelles, organize the meiotic and mitotic spindles during cell division for the placement of chromosomes, and transport substances inside the cell. They measure 25 nanometers in diameter.
• Microfilaments: They are made of a protein called actin, and when they are associated with myosin protein fibers they carry out muscle contraction. The actin is located on the margins of the cell, accommodated in a propeller formed by two filaments. Therefore, its function is to support the cell. They measure 3 to 8 nanometers in diameter.
• Intermediate filaments: They are formed by different fibrous proteins, which vary according to the tissue where the cells are. They are only in animal cells. They are the strongest fibers of the three mentioned. They serve to give firmness to cells, in addition to helping to form networks. They measure 12 nanometers in diameter.
• Cilia and Flagelos: Some eukaryotic cells have extensions that serve to move. These come from the microtubules, using the mobilization of fluid on the surface of a tissue to contract and create movement. In general, the cilia measure between 250 nanometers in diameter, as are the scourges, but they differ because the latter are longer and are in less quantity than the cilia.

Cytoskeleton in prokaryotic cells

In the past it was not known about the existence of the different structures in the cytoskeleton of prokaryotes, believing that they only existed in eukaryotic cells. However, today it is known that there is cytoskeleton in prokaryotes. This has analogous functions to those of eukaryotes, but it is formed from the following proteins:

• Mreb and Parm: They are similar to actin.
• Waca family proteins: They are a group of several proteins, which serve to perform functions in biogenesis and assembly of cilia and flagella in unicellular organisms.
• Crescentina: It is equivalent to intermediate filaments.
• FTSZ: It is similar to tubulin.

Now that you know what the cytoskeleton is and what is its function, do not miss this article on the types of cells.

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