Video - Cytoskeleton and intracellular motility

The cytoskeleton is a mesh-like structure that spans the entire cell and provides structural support. It is made of three main protein filaments: microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments. These filaments can assemble and disassemble to allow the cell to change shape and move.

The cytoskeleton is responsible for many cellular processes, including intracellular motility (the movement of organelles within the cell). This motility is accomplished through the actions of motor proteins, which bind to the cytoskeleton and use it as a track to move along. This movement allows cells to respond quickly to their environment and carry out essential functions like replication and division.