Cytoskeleton

Only clearly seen in eukaryotes, the cytoskeleton is seen as filaments running through the cytoplasm of a cell. The cytoskeleton is responsible for a cells shape and movement. Other properties include positioning organelles within a cell and directing transport between intracellular compartments. The cytoskeleton is associated with motor proteins which generate movement and allow the cell to be dynamic. The cytoskelton can be sub-divided into three components; Actin filaments, Microtubules and Intermediate filaments.

Recent cytological studies have shown cytoskeletal structures comprising homologues of actin and tubulin to exist in prokaryotes. These skeletal systems often interract with the murein cell wall and contribute to the vast array of cell shapes exhibited by bacteria.