What function does the cytoskeleton serve in eukaryotic cells?

The cytoskeleton serves crucial functions in eukaryotic cells, primarily related to support and movement. It is a network of protein filaments and tubules that provides structural support, helping to maintain the shape of the cell. This is particularly important for cells that do not have rigid walls, allowing them to withstand various types of stress.

In addition to providing structural integrity, the cytoskeleton is essential for movement, both of the entire cell and of organelles within the cell. For instance, components like microtubules and actin filaments are involved in cellular processes such as motility (for example, in amoeboid movement or the beating of cilia and flagella) and intracellular transport, where vesicles and organelles are moved along the filaments to their intended destinations.

The cytoskeleton's dynamic nature allows it to reorganize as needed, facilitating processes like cell division, where it contributes to the formation of the mitotic spindle, ensuring proper chromosome segregation. All these functions collectively underscore the importance of the cytoskeleton in supporting cell architecture and enabling various types of cellular movement and transport.