cytoskeleton

[sahy-tuh-skel-i-tn]

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a shifting lattice arrangement of structural and contractile components distributed throughout the cell cytoplasm, composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and larger filaments, functioning as a structural support and transport mechanism.

cytoskeleton

/ ˈsaɪtəʊˌskɛlɪtən /

noun

1. a network of fibrous proteins that governs the shape and movement of a biological cell

cytoskeleton

1. The internal framework of a cell, composed of a network of protein filaments and extending throughout the fluid of the cell (the cytosol). The cytoskeleton consists mainly of actin filaments and microtubules and plays an important role in cell movement, shape, growth, division, and differentiation, as well as in the movement of organelles within the cell. All eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton.

cytoskeleton

1. The inner structural elements, or backbone, of a cell. It consists of microtubules and various filaments that spread out through the cytoplasm, providing both structural support and a means of transport within the cell.

Other Word Forms

• cytoskeletal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cytoskeleton¹

cyto- + skeleton

Example Sentences

The researchers discovered that these growth regulators also manipulated the cell's internal framework, or cytoskeleton, to further sculpt cell size and shape.

Read more on Science Daily

This was accompanied by a re-organization of a protein that assembles and controls cells' mechanically active cytoskeleton.

Read more on Science Daily

However, the Moffitt researchers noted that proteins from the cytoskeleton are also excellent ion conductors.

Read more on Science Daily

Proteins are essential for forming the framework of a cell, called the cytoskeleton.

Read more on Science Daily

The MPI team expects that their results will be useful for the many scientists around the world that study the actin cytoskeleton.

Read more on Science Daily