Which component of a cell is responsible for maintaining its shape?

The cytoskeleton is critical for maintaining the shape of a cell. It is a network of protein filaments and tubules that provides structural support, enabling the cell to maintain its integrity and shape. The cytoskeleton is not only important for the overall structure but also plays a vital role in cell mobility, division, and intracellular transport. It helps anchor organelles in place and can dynamically reorganize in response to changes in the cell's environment or during cellular processes such as division or migration.

The other components listed have different primary functions. The nucleus plays a central role in storing genetic information and coordinating cellular activities, while the cytoplasm contains the various organelles and is where many metabolic processes occur. The cell membrane acts as a barrier that regulates the entry and exit of substances into and out of the cell but does not provide structural support in the same way the cytoskeleton does. Therefore, it is the cytoskeleton that is primarily responsible for maintaining the shape of the cell.