What is a cytoskeleton? What are its main components in animal cells?

A cytoskeleton is a structure that acts as a support for the cell. It also maintains the cell shape, holds and moves organelles. It is made from a fibre network dispered in the cell cytoplasm, attached in the plasma membrane. The cytoskeleton has three components; microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. Each of these components have sub-divisions and functions of their own. For example, microtubules are heavily invovled with mitosis and form the mitotic spindle fibre, used by eukaryotes to segregate chromosomes during cell division.

Answered by Bethany H. Biology tutor

9087 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is ATP required for skeletal muscle contraction?


What does ADH do in the Kidney?


How do cells become specialized?


What is semi-conservative replication of DNA? And why is it important?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences