Final answer:
The cytoskeleton maintains cell structure and includes microfilaments that support microvilli, intermediate filaments for mechanical support, and microtubules for cell shape. The centrosome orchestrates the organization of microtubules, especially during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cytoskeleton and Organelles in Structural Integrity
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that maintains the structural integrity of the cell, enables intracellular transport, and supports cell motility. The cytoskeleton consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, each with distinct roles in the cell.
Microfilaments, often comprised of actin, are responsible for cellular movements, and provide mechanical support to microvilli, which are finger-like projections that increase the surface area of cells. The cytoskeleton, particularly the actin filaments, supports microvilli, making them sturdy and capable of withstanding the external environment. Intermediate filaments provide mechanical support for the cell and help anchor organelles in place. Microtubules, composed of tubulin, are involved in maintaining cell shape, and they form the spindle fibers during cell division.
The centrosome is a critical organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center of the cell. It is responsible for regulating the formation of microtubules and is crucial during cell division to ensure the proper segregation of chromosomes.