Which statement about the cytoskeleton is true?

• A. Intermediate filaments are hollow tubes of protein that provide structural support.
• B. Microtubules are chains of proteins that resist stretching.
• C. Microfilaments are more permanent structures in cells compared to intermediate filaments and microtubules.
• D. Plant cells lack a cytoskeleton because they have a rigid cell wall.
• E. Components of the cytoskeleton often mediate the movement of organelles within the cytoplasm.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the components of the cytoskeleton: The cytoskeleton is composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, each with distinct structures and functions.
2. Microfilaments are thin, thread-like structures made of actin proteins, providing support and enabling cell movement.
3. Intermediate filaments are rope-like structures that provide tensile strength, helping cells resist mechanical stress.
4. Microtubules are hollow tubes made of tubulin proteins, playing a key role in maintaining cell shape, enabling intracellular transport, and facilitating cell division.
5. Recognize that the cytoskeleton is dynamic and involved in various cellular processes, including the movement of organelles within the cytoplasm, which is a true statement about its function.