CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community centroles Spindle fibers Eukaryotic cells contain a supportive meshwork of fine fibers collectively called the cytoskeleton. Microtubule Cytoskeleton filements Cell boundary Gk: cyte ~ cell

CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Plasma membrane Microfilaments Mitochondrion ER with ribosome Vacuole Intermediate Filaments Microtubules Microfilaments are soild helical rods composed of a protein called actin, the same protein found in our muscles. Intermediate Filaments are made of fibrous proteins woven together like a rope. These fibers help reinforce and anchor certain organelles like the nucleus. Microtubules are straight, hollow tubes composed of protein and can assemble and disassemble like Legos. The anchor organelles, provide cellular shape and rigidity and act like tracks for organelles and macromolecules.

CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Microtubules Cytoplasm vacuole carrier protein

Cilia Plasma Membrane Microtubles Basal Body CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Gk: cili ~ eyelash, small hair

CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Cillium Power stroke Return stroke Propulsion of fluid Cilia lining the trachea. Gk: cili ~ eyelash, small hair

CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Flagellum Continuous Propulsion Gk: flagell ~ a whip

CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Flagellum Continuous Propulsion Gk: flagell ~ a whip

CytoskeletonLife’s Inner Community Flagellum Propulsion of fluid Flagellum of a human sperm Propulsion of sperm Continous Propulsion Gk: flagell ~ a whip Go to Part 1