The Neglected Cell Parts

It has come to my attention that some parts of the cell do not receive the same fame and respect as other organelles and other parts of the cell. Everyone knows about the nucleus and the cytoplasm. What about the others?! Now we think it’s time that these parts of the cell get their well-deserved attention and praise.

Cytoskeleton:

The cytoskeleton is a network of filaments and tubules that extends from the nucleus to the plasma membrane. The cytoskeleton maintains the cell shape and causes the cell and its organelles to move. Without the cytoskeleton nothing would keep the cell in place! The cytoskeleton contains two equally neglected cell parts: microfilaments and microtubules.

Microfilaments:

Microfilaments are thin protein threads that help give the cell shape. They also enable the entire cell (or parts of the cell) to move. Without the microfilaments cell mobility would be really difficult! 

Microtubules:

Microtubules are long, hollow protein cylinders that form a rigid skeleton for the cell. They assist in moving substances within the cell. Without the microtubules nothing would keep the rigid form of the cell! 

Centrioles:

The centrioles are involved in cell division which is a very important function of the cell. The centrioles look like short cylinders that have a 9 + 0 pattern. The middle is hollow (0) and there are nine triplets of microtubules (9). Without centrioles cell division would be really difficult! The centriole helps organize the spindle fibers and directly organizes the microtubules within the cilia and flagella.

Cilia and Flagella:

Both cilia and flagella are involved in cell movement. Cilia is small and has numerous hairs. Flagella is a large, single hair. The pattern for cilia and flagella is 9 + 2. There are nine sets of microtubule doublets (9) around two central single microtubules (2) . Without the cilia and flagella cell movement would be extremely difficult!  

I hope you've learned more about these parts of the cell and know that there is more to a cell than just the nucleus and cytoplasm. 

~Simply Cells~