3/22/16 Cytoskeleton - a system of protein filaments that extend through cytosol The cytoskeleton helps support the large volume of cytosol inside a cell Most prominent in eukaryotic cells However, unlike our static skeleton, the cytoskeleton is dynamic Cytoskeletal filaments are made of noncovalently-linked subunits *allows for rapid assembly and disassembly* Filaments can disassemble and reassemble in different locations in cell Cytoskeleton Functions maintains cell SHAPE & RIGIDITY A framework connecting the plasma membrane to the organelles CELLULAR MOVEMENT MOTILITY: whole cell i.e. amoeba or sperm ? cilia/flagella intracellular structures - chromosomes, vesicles CONTRACTILITY - movement involving contraction of a cell muscle - tissue, cleavage furrow.