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.

BH
Answered by Bethany H. Biology tutor

10380 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The epithelial cells in the lungs are arranged into alveoli. Explain how the alveoli create a surface for efficient gaseous exchange.


State the differences between introns and exons.


How is immunity reached after a vaccine is given? Include the roles of both T cells and B cells.


What are the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning