Essential Cell Biology: Chapter 17
Cytoskeleton - ANS-System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives
the cell shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin
filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
Intermediate Filament - ANS-Fibrous cytoskeletal element, about 10 nm in diameter, that form
ropelike networks in animal cells; help cells resist tension applied from outside.
Actin Filaments - ANS-Thin, flexible protein filament made form a chain of globular actin
molecules; a major constituent of all eukaryotic cells, this cytoskeletal element is essential for
cell movement and for the contraction of muscle cells.
Tubulin - ANS-Protein from which microtubules are made.
Myosin Filament - ANS-Polymer composed of interacting molecules of myosin-II; interaction with
actin promotes contraction in muscle and nonmusical cells.
Desmosome - ANS-Specialized cell-cell junction, usually formed between two epithelial cells,
that serves to connect the ropelike keratin filaments of the adjoining cells, providing tensile
strength.
Nuclear Lamina - ANS-Fibrous layer on the inner surface of the inner nuclear membrane formed
as a network of intermediate filaments made form nuclear lamins.
Keratin Filament - ANS-Class of intermediate filament abundant in epithelial cells, where is
provides tensile strength; main structural component of hair, feathers, and claws.
Centrosome - ANS-Microtubule-organizing center that sits near the nucleus in an animal cell;
during the cell cycle, this structure duplicates to form the two poles of the mitotic spindle.
Mitotic Spindle - ANS-Array of microtubules and associated molecules that forms between the
opposite poles of a eukaryotic cell during mitosis and pulls duplicated chromosome sets apart.
Cilium - ANS-Hairlike structure made of microtubules found on the surface of many eukaryotic
cells; when present in large numbers, its rhythmic beating can drive the movement of fluid over
the cell surface, as in the epithelium of the lungs.
Flagellum - ANS-Long, whiplike structure capable of propelling a cell through a fluid medium
with its rhythmic beating.
Cytoskeleton - ANS-System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives
the cell shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin
filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
Intermediate Filament - ANS-Fibrous cytoskeletal element, about 10 nm in diameter, that form
ropelike networks in animal cells; help cells resist tension applied from outside.
Actin Filaments - ANS-Thin, flexible protein filament made form a chain of globular actin
molecules; a major constituent of all eukaryotic cells, this cytoskeletal element is essential for
cell movement and for the contraction of muscle cells.
Tubulin - ANS-Protein from which microtubules are made.
Myosin Filament - ANS-Polymer composed of interacting molecules of myosin-II; interaction with
actin promotes contraction in muscle and nonmusical cells.
Desmosome - ANS-Specialized cell-cell junction, usually formed between two epithelial cells,
that serves to connect the ropelike keratin filaments of the adjoining cells, providing tensile
strength.
Nuclear Lamina - ANS-Fibrous layer on the inner surface of the inner nuclear membrane formed
as a network of intermediate filaments made form nuclear lamins.
Keratin Filament - ANS-Class of intermediate filament abundant in epithelial cells, where is
provides tensile strength; main structural component of hair, feathers, and claws.
Centrosome - ANS-Microtubule-organizing center that sits near the nucleus in an animal cell;
during the cell cycle, this structure duplicates to form the two poles of the mitotic spindle.
Mitotic Spindle - ANS-Array of microtubules and associated molecules that forms between the
opposite poles of a eukaryotic cell during mitosis and pulls duplicated chromosome sets apart.
Cilium - ANS-Hairlike structure made of microtubules found on the surface of many eukaryotic
cells; when present in large numbers, its rhythmic beating can drive the movement of fluid over
the cell surface, as in the epithelium of the lungs.
Flagellum - ANS-Long, whiplike structure capable of propelling a cell through a fluid medium
with its rhythmic beating.
