cytoskeleton

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cytoskeleton

A student observes the cytoskeleton in a diagram of an animal cell.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A microscopic network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of a living cell: The cytoskeleton provides structural support, determines cell shape, enables cellular movement, and facilitates intracellular transport and organization.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun:
    • The cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining the cell's integrity.
    • Scientists study the cytoskeleton to understand how cells move and divide.
    • Disruptions in the cytoskeleton can lead to various cellular dysfunctions.
Advanced Usage

  • "Cytoskeletal dynamics": Refers to the constant assembly, disassembly, and remodeling of the cytoskeleton, which is crucial for processes like cell division and migration.

    • Research focuses on the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics.

  • "Cytoskeletal organization": Describes the specific arrangement and architecture of the cytoskeletal components within a cell.

    • The cytoskeletal organization differs between muscle cells and nerve cells.
Variants and Related Words

  • Cytoskeletal (adjective): Pertaining to the cytoskeleton.

    • Cytoskeletal proteins like actin and tubulin are highly conserved.

  • Microfilament (noun): A component of the cytoskeleton, primarily made of actin, involved in cell movement and shape.

  • Microtubule (noun): A component of the cytoskeleton, hollow tubes made of tubulin, involved in maintaining shape, intracellular transport, and forming the mitotic spindle.
  • Intermediate filament (noun): A component of the cytoskeleton that provides mechanical strength and helps anchor organelles.
Synonyms
  • Cellular scaffold: A descriptive term emphasizing the supportive framework role.
  • Intracellular framework: A term highlighting its structural function within the cell.
Related Phrases and Terms

  • "Actin cytoskeleton": Specifically refers to the network of microfilaments within the cell.

    • The actin cytoskeleton is crucial for cell crawling.

  • "Cytoskeletal remodeling": The process of changing the cytoskeleton's structure in response to signals.

    • Cytoskeletal remodeling is a key step during embryonic development.
cytoskeleton

A student observes the cytoskeleton in a diagram of an animal cell.

Noun
  1. a microscopic network of actin filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells that gives the cell shape and coherence