Question

Which of the following is not true concerning cytoskeletal elements?
a) Cilia are small extensions of membrane surrounded microtubules
b) Microtubules are made up of a globular protein called tubulin
c)Intermediate filaments compose flagella.
d)Basal bodies are located at the base of cilia and flagella.

Answer 1

Hint: The cytoskeletal elements are composed of three different types of elements which are microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Microfilaments provide rigidity and shape to the cell. The microtubules help in the pulling of the replicated chromosomes to the poles of the dividing cell.

Complete answer: The intermediate filaments are composed of the several fibrous proteins that are wound together. The intermediate filaments are not composed of the flagella. They have no particular role in the movement of the cell. The intermediate filaments have the function which is to provide the shape of the cell, anchor the nucleus, and also bear the tension. They are the most diverse group of cytoskeletal elements present. They can be found in the keratin which strengthens the hairs and nails and also the epidermis of the skin. The flagella are the hair-like structure that is present around the cell and helps in the movement of the cell. they are known to be the extensions of the plasma membrane. The cilia are also hair-like structures but smaller in length as compared to the flagella also helps in the motion of the cell. it is also used to move the particles that surround the cell from the outside. The cilia and flagella both have the same arrangement of nine microtubule doublets present in a circle and enclosing a single microtubule doublet in the center of the ring.

So, the answer is ‘intermediate filaments compose flagella’.

Note: The intermediate filaments provide the structural support to the cell and also helps in the anchoring of the nucleus. The flagella are the long hair-like outgrowth of the plasma membrane which is used for the movement of the cell.