Final answer:
The function of the cytoskeleton among the given options is D) Providing structural support and maintaining cell shape. It also has roles in cell motility and intracellular transport, making it essential for cell integrity and movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers within a cell, providing structural support that is vital for the cell's shape, organelle movement, and division. Among the options given, the function of the cytoskeleton that matches most accurately is D) Providing structural support and maintaining cell shape. This cellular "skeleton" is comparable to the human skeleton in that it establishes a framework that maintains the shape and integrity of cells.
Components such as microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments are part of the cytoskeleton and serve to scaffold the organelles, ensuring proper organization and distribution within the cell's cytoplasm. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton is essential for cell motility, a process that enables cells to move, which is crucial during development and for the immune response. It also plays key roles in the intracellular transport of vesicles and organelles, making it a central component in cellular operation and organization.