cytoskeleton

noun

cy·​to·​skel·​e·​ton ˌsī-tə-ˈske-lə-tən How to pronounce cytoskeleton (audio)
: the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement
cytoskeletal adjective

Examples of cytoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Actin is a major component of the cellular cytoskeleton that provides structural support to cells and is involved in various cellular processes, including cell motility. The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023 Mitochondria-actin cytoskeleton crosstalk in cell migration. The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023 In this colorized image, actin is shown in blue and microtubules, also part of the cytoskeleton, are shown in yellow. Adam Mann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2020 That movement can involve waves generated by filaments of actin, a component of the cell’s cytoskeleton. Adam Mann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2020 The Cell Painting assay uses six fluorescent dyes to reveal eight cellular components or organelles: the nucleus, the nucleoli, cytoplasmic RNA, the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria, the plasma (cell) membrane, the Golgi complex and the F-actin cytoskeleton. Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2021 Or, more specifically, with microtubules -- units that make up the cytoskeleton of neurons and other cells. George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2013 This cytoskeleton is largely made from the tubulin proteins that form microtubule filaments. Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018 Perhaps the most famous example is kinesin, which takes the shape of a pair of legs with feet that adhere to microtubule filaments that and form a cell’s cytoskeleton. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cytoskeleton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cytoskeleton was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near cytoskeleton

Cite this Entry

“Cytoskeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytoskeleton. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

cytoskeleton

noun
cy·​to·​skel·​e·​ton ˌsīt-ō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn How to pronounce cytoskeleton (audio)
: the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement
cytoskeletal adjective

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