cytoskeleton
Internal cellular scaffold
The cytoskeleton is the network of protein filaments that gives a cell its shape and internal organization.
Like a skeleton, it provides structural support, but it also enables movement—both of the cell itself and of components within it.
The cytoskeleton is dynamic, constantly assembling and disassembling as the cell's needs change.
Cellular contractile protein
- tubulinMicrotubule protein component
- keratinStructural hair protein
- meshworkInterlaced strand structure
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
scaffold · network · lattice · matrix · framework · architecture · anchorage · polymerization
Cytoplasmic membrane network for synthesis
- Golgi apparatusProtein processing organelle
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
endosomes · lysosomes · peroxisomes · chloroplasts · vacuoles · positioning · tethering
Motor protein enabling contraction
- ATPCell's energy molecule
- transportMoving things between places
- cargoTransported goods
- directionalityHaving a specific heading
Self-generated movement capacity
- locomotionAbility to travel independently
- migrationMovement to new territory
- chemotaxisMovement toward chemical cues
- amoeboidShapeless and flowing
cilia · flagella · contractility · cytokinesis · streaming · ruffling · protrusion · retraction
Nuclear division producing identical cells
- meiosisGamete-producing cell division
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- centrosomeMicrotubule-organizing organelle
- asterMitotic spindle anchor
State of being unbending
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
elasticity · stiffness · turgor · tension · compression · resilience · stability · robustness
actin
Cellular contractile protein
- tubulinMicrotubule protein component
- keratinStructural hair protein
- meshworkInterlaced strand structure
cortex · scaffold · network · lattice · matrix · framework · architecture · anchorage · polymerization · depolymerization
endoplasmic reticulum
Cytoplasmic membrane network for synthesis
- Golgi apparatusProtein processing organelle
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
- nucleusCentral controlling part
vesicles · endosomes · lysosomes · peroxisomes · chloroplasts · vacuoles · positioning · tethering
myosin
Motor protein enabling contraction
directionality · stepping · walking · gliding
motility
Self-generated movement capacity
- locomotionAbility to travel independently
- migrationMovement to new territory
- chemotaxisMovement toward chemical cues
amoeboid · cilia · flagella · contractility · cytokinesis · streaming · ruffling · protrusion · retraction · polarity
mitosis
Nuclear division producing identical cells
- meiosisGamete-producing cell division
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- centrosomeMicrotubule-organizing organelle
aster · cell cycle · anaphase
rigidity
State of being unbending
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
reinforcement · elasticity · stiffness · turgor · tension · compression · resilience · stability · robustness · flexibility
- cellscells, blood cell, cell theory, nerve cell, red blood cell
- cell biologycell membrane, cell division, ribosome, mitochondria, nucleus
- biostructurescell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, nucleus, ribosome
- cell partsnucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell membrane, ribosome
- cyto- wordscytosol, cytoplasmic, cytokine, cytokinesis, cytogenetics
- cytologyPap test, cell division, chromosome, cervical smear, chromosomes
skeleton, skeletal, cytoplasm, exoskeleton, cytology, leukocyte, erythrocyte, endoskeleton, phagocyte