The cytoskeleton is an intricate network of protein filaments which enable a cell to adapt to a variety of shapes, carry out coordinated movements, and organize components within its interior. They are usually found in cross-linked bundles and networks, which add to their strength. Micro-villi are protrusions from cells which line the intestine and are associated with the cell cortex. These filaments have a rope-like structure and are made of many twisted strands of elongated alpha helixes.
Intermediate filaments dimerize to form a coiled coil, associating by non-covalent interactions.
These centers are called centrosomes, and contain centrioles, cylindrical arrays of short microtubules, embedded within them. Cilia Cilia are hair-like structures that extend from the surface of the cell. Cilia contain a bundle of stabilized microtubules making up their core, they are organized within the cytoplasm by groups of proteins called basal bodies. Cilia move fluid over the surface of the cell and can be used to propel single cells through a fluid. Epithelial cells in the respiratory tract contain cillia which move layers of mucus over them.