Cell Structures (Part 1: Shape & Movement) - Jenn Fitzgerald | Laabri

The Cytoskeleton

Our cells shape and the position of its organelles are supported by a cell's cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a supporting network of long, thin protein fibers that form a framework for the cell and provide an anchor for the organelles inside the cell. The cytoskeleton can also play a role in cell movement and is made up of substructures called microtubules and microfilaments.

Microtubules & Microfilaments

Microtubules are long, hollow protein cylinders that form a rigid skeleton for the cell and assist in moving substances within the cell. Microfilaments are thin protein threads that help give the cell shape and enables the entire cell or parts of the cell to move. Microtubules and microfilaments rapidly assemble and disassemble and slide past one another. This allows cells and organelles to move.

Centrioles

Groups of microtubules form another structure called a centriole. Centrioles are organelles made of microtubules that function during cell division. Centrioles are located in the cytoplasm of animal cells and most protists and are usually found near the nucleus.

Cell Appendages

Some cell surfaces have structures called cilia and flagella that project outside the cell. Cilia are short, numerous projections that look like hairs. The motion of cilia is similar to the motion of oars in a rowboat. Cilia are also found on stationary cells, and sometimes can aid in feeding.

Flagella are longer and less numerous than cilia. These projections move with a whiplike motion. Typically, a cell has only one or two flagella.

1

What components make up the cytoskeleton?

microtubules and cytoplasm

centrioles and microfilaments

cell wall and flagella

microtubules and microfilaments

1

What is a centriole?

A think protein thread that helps give the cell shape and enables the entire cell to move

The semifluid material inside the plasma membrane

A long, hollow protein cylinder that forms a rigid skeleton for the cell and assists in moving substances within the cell

An organelle made of microtubules that function during cell division

1

Which one of these is NOT a function of the cilia?

it aids in locomotion

it is used to sweep substances along the surface

it aids in feeding

it allows substances to enter or exit the cell

7

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Short, numerous projections from the cell surfaces that aid in locomotion, feeding, and sweeping substances along surfaces		Cytoskeleton
Supporting network of long, thin protein fibers that form a framework for the cell and provide an anchor for the organelles inside the cell		Microtubules
Organelles that are made of microtubules that function during cell division		Microfilaments
Jellylike, semifluid substance that fills cells		Centrioles
Thin protein threads that help give the cell shape and enable the entire cell or parts of the cell to move		Cilia
Long, hollow protein cylinders that form a rigid skeleton for the cell and assist in moving substances within the cell		Flagella
Longer, less numerous projections that move with a whiplike motion for locomotion and feeding		Cytoplasm