The cytoskeleton is a network of actin filaments and microtubules that give the cell its' shape. If the cytoskeleton is disrupted, then it can lead to many different diseases such as sickle cell anemia which is a genetic disease that produces defective hemoglobin which changes the shape or a round healthy red blood cell to a sickle shaped cell that is deprived of correct hemoglobin. The cytoskeleton in the red blood cells is a specialized network of actin and spectrin which are proteins. In sickle cell, the protein lattice locks which makes less deform-able red blood cells and messes with the microcircularion.
This shows the problem with disruptions in the cytoskeleton. Another example of what this can lead to is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, commonly known as DMD, which results in muscle degeneration and eventually death. How can the cytoskeleton be the Organelle in Chief if they can't control the shape of blood. If we have