How are microtubules different to microfilaments and intermediate filaments?
Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments are all cytoskeletal elements found in the cells of eukaryotes. They each play important roles in the cell's structure and function. However, there are some key differences between these three types of filaments.
- Microtubules are the thickest of the three types of filaments, with a diameter of about 25 nanometers. They are composed of tubulin proteins and are arranged in a hollow cylinder shape. Microtubules are responsible for maintaining the cell's shape, for providing a track for organelle transport, and for separating the chromosomes during mitosis.
- Microfilaments are the thinnest of the three types of filaments, with a diameter of about 7 nanometers. They are composed of actin proteins and are arranged in a double helix shape. Microfilaments are responsible for providing strength and rigidity to the cell, for facilitating cell movement, and for forming the contractile ring in cytokinesis.
- Intermediate filaments are intermediate in thickness between microtubules and microfilaments, with a diameter of about 10 nanometers. They are composed of a variety of different proteins and are arranged in a rope-like shape. Intermediate filaments are responsible for providing structural support to the cell and for protecting the cell from mechanical damage.
Related Questions
- What are the functions of microtubules?
- What is the composition of microfilaments?
- How do intermediate filaments differ from microtubules and microfilaments?
- What is the role of the contractile ring in cytokinesis?
- Which type of filament is responsible for maintaining the cell's shape?
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