The cytoskeleton is like a support system inside our cells. It’s made up of strong, flexible strands and tubes that help keep the cell’s shape and allow it to work properly. There are three main parts of the cytoskeleton:
Microfilaments: These are tiny threads made of a protein called actin. They are about 7 nanometers wide. Microfilaments give the cell support and help it move around. About 15% of the proteins in a cell are actin.
Intermediate Filaments: These are a bit thicker, measuring between 8 and 12 nanometers. They help the cell stay strong and stable. There are different types of proteins in these filaments, like keratin and vimentin. They make up around 5-10% of the proteins in a cell.
Microtubules: This part is the biggest, about 25 nanometers wide, and is made from a protein called tubulin. Microtubules help keep the cell’s shape and are important for moving things around inside the cell. About 30% of the proteins in eukaryotic cells (like human cells) are tubulin.
All these parts work together to help cells handle stress, move things inside, and divide when needed. They play a big role in keeping cells healthy and working right.
The cytoskeleton is like a support system inside our cells. It’s made up of strong, flexible strands and tubes that help keep the cell’s shape and allow it to work properly. There are three main parts of the cytoskeleton:
Microfilaments: These are tiny threads made of a protein called actin. They are about 7 nanometers wide. Microfilaments give the cell support and help it move around. About 15% of the proteins in a cell are actin.
Intermediate Filaments: These are a bit thicker, measuring between 8 and 12 nanometers. They help the cell stay strong and stable. There are different types of proteins in these filaments, like keratin and vimentin. They make up around 5-10% of the proteins in a cell.
Microtubules: This part is the biggest, about 25 nanometers wide, and is made from a protein called tubulin. Microtubules help keep the cell’s shape and are important for moving things around inside the cell. About 30% of the proteins in eukaryotic cells (like human cells) are tubulin.
All these parts work together to help cells handle stress, move things inside, and divide when needed. They play a big role in keeping cells healthy and working right.