Question

Fibers of the cytoskeleton that move materials within the cell and organize the cytoplasm are called

a) Microfilaments
b) Microtubules
c) Intermediate filaments
d) Microvilli

Answer 1

Microtubules are the cytoskeletal fibers responsible for moving materials within the cell and organizing the cytoplasm, providing cell structure, intracellular transportation, and facilitating cell division.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fibers of the cytoskeleton that move materials within the cell and organize the cytoplasm are called microtubules. Microtubules are the thickest fibers within the cytoskeleton and are comprised of polymers of alpha and beta-tubulin.

These hollow tubes provide structural support, enable intracellular transport of organelles, form the nuclear lamina, and are essential during cell division to pull chromosomes apart. Microtubules are also key components in the structure of flagella and cilia that facilitate cellular movement.

While microfilaments, composed of actin, are essential for muscle cell contraction and cellular motility in cells with microvilli and pseudopodia; and intermediate filaments, which vary in composition, provide structural integrity and organizes internal cell structures, the specific answer to the given question is microtubules.

Answer 2

Microtubules are cytoskeletal fibers that organize the cytoplasm and move materials within the cell. They are dynamic structures that form the mitotic spindle and are also part of cilia and flagella. The correct option for the question is b) Microtubules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fibers of the cytoskeleton responsible for moving materials within the cell and organizing the cytoplasm are called microtubules. These structures are the thickest of the cytoskeletal fibers and play a crucial role in a multitude of cellular processes.

Crucially, microtubules are involved in guiding organelle movement within the cell, as well as during cell division where they form the mitotic spindle that helps segregate chromosomes.

Microtubules are composed of alpha and beta-tubulin polymers that form hollow tubes and have the ability to quickly disassemble and reform, which is essential for their dynamic role in the cell. They also serve as structural components of cilia and flagella, which are involved in cellular motion.

Unlike microfilaments that are involved in muscle contraction, or intermediate filaments that provide cell structure and stability, microtubules are specialized for cell shape support, and transport processes.