What is the difference between Microtubules and Microfilaments? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

What is the difference between Microtubules and Microfilaments?

Asked by G. Cole, Last updated: Feb 03, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

1 Answer

R. Barnes

R. Barnes

Always excited to learn and talk about new topics

R. Barnes
R. Barnes, Analyst, PhD, Clinton

Answered Mar 12, 2020

A typical cell of an animal has so many parts like the nucleus, organelles, cytoplasm, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, etc. The cytoskeleton is an important structure in the cell because it is a cellular structure that looks like a skeleton and helps in keeping all the organelles in their position. Two major parts of this cytoskeleton are Microtubules and Microfilaments. There are some differences between the two. Microtubules are small tubes that are made of protein and found in cells.

Microtubules are bigger in diameter compared to microfilaments; the latter has a diameter of 6 nanometers, while the former has a diameter of 25 nanometers. Microtubules are responsible for the various cellular activities that cytoskeleton is known for; microtubules are usually involved in vesicular transport, mitosis, etc. While microfilaments help in shaping the cell and aiding the movement of the cell, both structures are very versatile when you consider their different functions.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.