Cytoskeleton — Microtubules, Microfilaments, Intermediate Filaments: Support and Motility
✅ Asked in NEET 2023Which of the following functions is carried out by the cytoskeleton in a cell? NEET 2023
Which of the following functions is carried out by the cytoskeleton in a cell? NEET 2023
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: D — Motility
Cytoskeleton is responsible for cell motility through structures like microfilaments and microtubules that enable cell movement, shape changes, and organelle movement. Nuclear division involves spindle fibers, protein synthesis involves ribosomes, and transportation involves various membrane systems.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
An elaborate network of filamentous proteinaceous structures consisting of microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments present in the cytoplasm is collectively referred to as the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton in a cell are involved in many functions such as mechanical support, motility, maintenance of the shape of the cell.
An ELABORATE NETWORK of FILAMENTOUS PROTEINACEOUS structures present in the cytoplasm is collectively referred to as the CYTOSKELETON. It consists of THREE components: (1) MICROTUBULES — hollow tubes of TUBULIN (largest, ~25 nm); form spindle fibres, cilia, flagella. (2) MICROFILAMENTS — thin filaments of ACTIN (~7 nm); involved in cell shape changes, contraction, motility. (3) INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS — ropelike, intermediate size (~10 nm); provide MECHANICAL SUPPORT and tensile strength. The cytoskeleton performs three key functions: MECHANICAL SUPPORT, MOTILITY, and MAINTENANCE OF CELL SHAPE. It is present in BOTH PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS. Functions NOT performed by cytoskeleton: nuclear division (spindle does this), protein synthesis (ribosomes), transportation (membrane systems).
NEET 2023 direct: 'Which function is carried out by the cytoskeleton?' → MOTILITY. Distractors: nuclear division (spindle fibres handle this), protein synthesis (ribosomes), transportation (membrane proteins). Three cytoskeletal elements have distinct roles: microtubules for tracks/spindle, microfilaments for shape/contraction, intermediate filaments for mechanical strength. Cytoskeleton is UNIVERSAL — both plant and animal cells have it. Don't confuse 'spindle fibres' as a cytoskeleton function — the spindle is the structure; division is the process.
The primary function of the cytoskeleton is protein synthesis or transportation of materials inside the cell.
Cytoskeleton functions = MECHANICAL SUPPORT + MOTILITY + MAINTENANCE OF CELL SHAPE. Protein synthesis is ribosomal; transportation is via membranes.
Cytoskeleton 3 functions: SUPPORT + MOTILITY + SHAPE. 3 elements: MICROTUBULES (tubulin), MICROFILAMENTS (actin), INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS.
- Three cytoskeletal elements: MICROTUBULES (tubulin, ~25 nm), MICROFILAMENTS (actin, ~7 nm), INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS (~10 nm).
- Three functions: MECHANICAL SUPPORT + MOTILITY + maintenance of CELL SHAPE.
- Cytoskeleton is present in BOTH plant and animal cells.
- NOT cytoskeleton functions: nuclear division (spindle), protein synthesis (ribosomes), transportation (membranes).
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