Cytoskeletal Structures

T.

Fig. Cytoskeleton and some other associated cytoplasmic organelles

hese are fibrous or fine tubular structures which form the supportive structures of the cell. These are of two types — microtubules, microfilaments

(a) Microtubules discovered by Robertis and Franchi, (1953) term coined by Slautterback (1963).

Unbranched hollow non-contractile tubules of indefinite length, 25 nm in thickness with 15 nm core and formed of 13 helically arranged protofilaments of  and -tubulin protein. Microtubules grow from

nucleating centres. Microtubules are basic structures of spindle apparatus, centrioles, basal bodies, cilia and flagella and are responsible for cell motility and maintenance of shape.

(b) Microfilaments are cylindrical solid, contractile rods or filaments of actin and myosin protein with a diameter of 6 to 10 nm. Microfilaments can form hexagonal bundles, take part in cytoplasmic streaming, membrane undulations, cleavage, contraction of muscles, movement of microvilli to absorb food and endocytosis.