Meaning & use

cytoskeleton

noun·Advanced

A network of protein filaments within a cell that gives it shape, structure, and the ability to move.

See it in a sentence

The cytoskeleton helps the cell maintain its shape under mechanical stress.

Motor proteins move materials through the cell along tracks of the cytoskeleton.

A note on using this word

The cytoskeleton is built from three main components: microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.

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