What does the cytoskeleton do?

What does the cytoskeleton do?

• A. Provides structure
• B. Stores energy
• C. Replicates DNA
• D. Provides structure and helps movement

Answer: (D)

The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments that gives a cell its shape, provides mechanical support, and enables movement. Actin filaments help the cell change shape and move; microtubules act as tracks for transporting materials inside the cell and form spindle fibers during division; intermediate filaments add structural resilience. Because it combines both structural support and the machinery for movement, it best describes providing structure and helps movement. It does not store energy—that role belongs to energy carriers like ATP and glycogen—and it does not replicate DNA, which happens in the nucleus.

The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments that gives a cell its shape, provides mechanical support, and enables movement. Actin filaments help the cell change shape and move; microtubules act as tracks for transporting materials inside the cell and form spindle fibers during division; intermediate filaments add structural resilience. Because it combines both structural support and the machinery for movement, it best describes providing structure and helps movement. It does not store energy—that role belongs to energy carriers like ATP and glycogen—and it does not replicate DNA, which happens in the nucleus.