The Cytoskeleton of the cell

Made up of intermediate filaments, microfilaments and microtubules.

Each have their own architecture of protein and protein subunits, and form higher networks through irreversible cross links of individual rods.

Functions include, but are not limited to:

- control of location of mitotic cleavage plane

- maintenance of cell shape

- transport of molecules and organelles in cells

Cytoskeletal rods form linear polymers and have polarity

In microtubles and microfilaments the end of the rod at the centre of the cell is deemed “-“ and is located at the microtubule organizing centre (MTOC). The peripheral ends of each rod are deemed the “+” end.

ATP is hydrolyzed for energy to propel movement along a microtubule.

Kinesin is a protein that moves from the “-“ to the “+” of a microtubule and carry vesicles to the periphery of the cell. The motor is contained it the globular head which interacts with the microtubule, and the molecule is attached by the tail.