In plants they include a pectin layer and plasmodesmata. The cytoskeleton is a network of rods and tubes that provides cells with form, support, and the ability to move. Dynein causes adjacent microtubules to slide, which moves the overall structure. Microfilaments are solid and smaller than microtubules. They are composed of the protein actin and provide contractile motion.
Intermediate filaments provide scaffolding.
Red blood cells and muscle cells derive their strength from cell membrane proteins that connect cytoskeletal elements to extracellular materials. Eventually this signaling activates a second messenger, which stimulates the cell to carry out a specific function. Cellular adhesion molecules enable cells to contact each other in precise steps that carry out a particular function. The McGraw-Hill Companies. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .