Microfilaments refer to the polymers of the actin protein while microtubules comprise tubulin. Intermediate filaments consist of many proteins, on the basis of the cell type in which they are present.
Further Explanation:
The cytoskeleton is found in the cytoplasm of the cells including the archaea and bacteria. This is known to be complex and dynamic network of the interlinking protein filaments which extend from the nucleus of the cell to the membrane of the cell. Eukaryotic cells comprise of 2 main types of cytoskeleton filaments, namely, microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
1. Microfilaments: These comprise of long polymers of G-actin proteins which produces force. The growing terminal of the filament forces the barrier like cell membranes to produce. They provide path for myosin movement which help in affixation of microfilament and move along them. The major component of microfilaments is actin. They combine to form a polymer that continues to form actin filament. The functions include muscle contraction, cell movement, and maintenance of the cell shape.
2. Intermediate filament: These filaments are known to be stable as compared to the microfilaments and heterogeneous elements of the cytoskeleton. The main function of this is in maintenance of the cell shape by bearing the tension. These filaments is responsible to organize the structure of cell, serves a structural element.
3. Microtubules: These are hollow cylinders and are known to be the polymers of beta as well as alpha-tubulin. They mainly have a dynamic behavior and binds GTP for the polymerization process. centrosome organised the microtubules. This plays a main role in axoneme of flagella and cilia, mitotic spindle, and synthesis of cell wall.
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Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Subject: Biology
Chapter: Cytoskeleton
Keywords:
Cytoskeleton , microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, actin filaments, myosin, cell function, mitotic spindle.
