Cytoskeleton
Definition
The protein scaffold within eukaryotic cells, composed of actin microfilaments, tubulin microtubules, and intermediate filaments such as keratin. Provides cell shape and mechanical strength. In hair and nail cells, the keratin intermediate filament network survives cell death and forms the physical fabric of these evidence types.
Related terms
- Chromatin
- The complex of nuclear DNA wound around histone proteins in the nucleus. In forensic DNA extraction, chromatin must be disrupted to release...
- Eukaryote
- An organism whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-enclosed organelles. Humans, animals, plants, and fungi are eukaryotes. Most biological evidence...
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
- DNA located in mitochondria rather than the cell nucleus. Present in hundreds to thousands of copies per cell, making it recoverable from...
- Nuclear DNA (nDNA)
- The genomic DNA housed in the cell nucleus, packaged as 46 chromosomes in human somatic cells. The primary target for STR profiling...
- Prokaryote
- An organism whose cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes. They are relevant to forensic biology in...
Explained in
- Cell Structure and Organelles for Forensic ScientistsThe protein scaffold within eukaryotic cells, composed of actin microfilaments, tubulin microtubules, and intermediate filaments such as keratin. Provides cell...