What term refers to the network of filaments that gives a cell its shape and structural support?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cytoskeleton
• C. Endoplasmic Reticulum
• D. Golgi Apparatus

Answer: (B)

The cytoskeleton is the network of protein filaments that gives a cell its shape and structural support. It’s made up of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, each contributing different kinds of support and organization. Microfilaments (actin) help the cell change shape and enable movement; intermediate filaments provide strong tensile support to resist pulling forces; microtubules act as rigid scaffolds and tracks for moving organelles and vesicles around the cell. This system is dynamic, constantly assembling and disassembling to adapt to the cell’s needs, such as during movement, division, or changes in environment. In contrast, the nucleus stores genetic information, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in making and folding proteins and lipids, and the Golgi apparatus modifies and ships those molecules—functions that don’t establish the cell’s physical framework the way the cytoskeleton does.