Cytoskeleton: Justify the term ‘cytoskeleton’ in relation to its functions

Cytoskeleton: Justify the term ‘cytoskeleton’ in relation to its functions. 

The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules that provides structural support to the cell, much like a skeleton does for the body.

• Support – Maintains cell shape and strength.

• Microfilaments: Ensure shape and flexibility.

• Intermediate Filaments: Provide strength and prevent deformation.

• Microtubules: Act as scaffolding, resisting compression.

Together, they function as the cell’s skeleton, maintaining its structure and stability.

Cytoskeletal Elements: Must-Know Filaments

1. Microfilaments (Actin Filaments) – Thin & Flexible

• Actin → Main protein, supports cell shape, movement, and intracellular transport.
• Fimbrin & Fascin → Bundling proteins in microvilli and filopodia.
• Filamin → Cross-links actin for gel-like networks.
• Spectrin → Supports plasma membrane (e.g., in RBCs).
• Dystrophin → Links actin to muscle cell membranes (deficient in Duchenne muscular dystrophy).

2. Intermediate Filaments – Strong & Durable

• Keratins → Found in epithelial cells, skin, hair, and nails.
• Vimentin → Present in mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells).
• Desmin → Found in muscle cells, supports sarcomere structure.
• Neurofilaments (NF-L, NF-M, NF-H) → Provide support in neurons.
• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) → Found in astrocytes and glial cells.
• Lamin (A, B, C) → Nuclear lamina, maintains nuclear shape.

3. Microtubules – Rigid & Dynamic

• Tubulin (α & β-tubulin) → Forms the basic structure of microtubules.
• Dynein → Moves cargo towards the minus end (retrograde transport, e.g., in cilia and flagella).
• Kinesin → Moves cargo towards the plus end (anterograde transport).
• Tau → Stabilizes microtubules (abnormal in Alzheimer’s disease).
• MAPs (Microtubule-Associated Proteins) → Regulate microtubule stability and dynamics.
• https://rkmri.co/SeAley5S5yEl/
•