cytoskeleton

/ˌsaɪtoʊˈskɛlətən/ /ˌsaɪtəˈskɛlətən/

Meanings

noun

A matrix of intercellular protein, in the forms of microfilaments and microtubules, that provide some rigidity to cells

Examples :

"The cell's cytoskeleton is like a tent's frame, providing structure and support to keep its shape. "

Related Words

intercellular adjective

/ˌɪntərˈsɛljələr/ /ˌɪntərˈsɛljʊlər/

Located between, or connecting, cells

"The intercellular spaces in the plant's leaf allow for gas exchange. "

providing verb

/pɹəˈvaɪdɪŋ/

To make a living; earn money for necessities.

"It is difficult to provide for my family working on minimum wage."

rigidity noun

/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɪdɪti/

The quality or state of being rigid; want of pliability; the quality of resisting change of form; the amount of resistance with which a body opposes change of form.

"The rigidity of the schedule made it difficult for Sarah to attend her daughter's school play. "

microfilaments noun

/ˌmaɪkroʊˈfɪləmənts/ /ˌmaɪkrəˈfɪləmənts/

A very fine (thin) filament.

"Under a powerful microscope, we could see the microfilaments forming a delicate network inside the cell, like tiny threads holding everything together. "

forms noun

/fɔːmz/ /fɔɹmz/

(heading, physical) To do with shape.

"The art class explored different geometric forms. "

structure noun

/ˈstɹʌktʃə(ɹ)/ /ˈstɹʌktʃɚ/

A cohesive whole built up of distinct parts.

"The birds had built an amazing structure out of sticks and various discarded items."

support noun

/səˈpɔːt/ /səˈpɔɹt/

(sometimes attributive) Something which supports.

"The bridge's sturdy support beams prevented the structure from collapsing. "

cells noun

/sɛlz/

A single-room dwelling for a hermit.

"High in the remote mountains, the monastery offered simple cells to any hermit seeking a life of solitude and prayer. "

matrix noun

/ˈmeɪtɹɪks/

The womb.

"The seed of the new idea developed within the matrix of the professor's mind. "

microtubules noun

/ˌmaɪkroʊˈtjuːbjuːlz/ /ˌmaɪkroʊˈtuːbjuːlz/

A small tube made of protein and found in cells; part of the cytoskeleton.

"During cell division, microtubules help separate the chromosomes equally into the new cells. "

protein noun

/ˈpɹəʊti.ɪn/ /ˈpɹoʊtiːn/

Any of numerous large, complex naturally-produced molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, in which the amino acid groups are held together by peptide bonds.

"My mother added extra protein to her lunch to help her build muscle. "

provide verb

/pɹəˈvaɪd/

To make a living; earn money for necessities.

"It is difficult to provide for my family working on minimum wage."