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 All cells have lots of adjustable pieces in their cytoskeletons and gene regulatory networks that can be set in different conformations and can inform behavior later on. Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for cytoskeleton 

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 5 Oct. 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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