Which of the following structures is not directly involved in cell support or movement?
-microfilaments
-cell wall
-cilia
-plasmodesmata
-microtubules
To determine which of the structures is not directly involved in cell support or movement, we need to understand the functions of each structure.
1. Microfilaments: These are thin protein filaments that contribute to cell movement by enabling the contraction and expansion of the cell. They also provide mechanical support to the cell.
2. Cell wall: This rigid structure is found in plant cells and some bacteria. It provides support and protection to the cell by maintaining its shape and preventing it from bursting under pressure.
3. Cilia: These are hair-like projections found on the surfaces of certain types of cells. They serve various functions, including cell movement, sensory perception, and moving substances across the cell surface.
4. Plasmodesmata: These are microscopic channels that connect plant cells, allowing for the exchange of materials such as ions, proteins, and RNA. Though they don't contribute directly to cell support or movement, they play a vital role in cell communication and nutrient transport.
5. Microtubules: These are hollow, tubular structures composed of protein subunits. They have multiple functions, including cell support, maintaining cell shape, movement of organelles within the cell, and cell division.
Based on this information, the structure that is not directly involved in cell support or movement is plasmodesmata. Though plasmodesmata have essential functions in cell communication and nutrient transport, they are not directly related to cell support or movement as microfilaments, cell walls, cilia, and microtubules are.