Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice Test

The primary function of the cytoskeleton in cells is to maintain cell shape and facilitate movement. The cytoskeleton is a complex network of fibers and filaments composed of proteins such as microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments. This structure provides the cell with mechanical support, helping it to maintain its shape, and it plays a crucial role in intracellular transport, allowing organelles and other components to be moved throughout the cytoplasm. Additionally, the cytoskeleton is involved in cell motility, contributing to processes such as cell division, muscle contraction, and the movement of cilia and flagella.

The other functions listed, such as energy production, storage of genetic information, and photosynthetic activity, pertain to different cell organelles or processes. For instance, energy production is primarily performed by mitochondria and, in plants, by chloroplasts through photosynthesis. Genetic information is stored in the nucleus, while photosynthetic activity is a function of chloroplasts in plant cells. This differentiation underscores the unique and essential role of the cytoskeleton in maintaining the structure and facilitating movement within the cell.