microtubules vs. microfilaments

[jdent]

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I was about to start a new thread but found this in the mcat section so i decided to start a new thread and just copy it. Looks pretty helpful. If you have anything to add please do!

What are the main differences in structure and function of microtubules and microfilaments?

From what I understand: Microtubules are bigger (thicker) than microfilaments.

Microfilaments are the main component of the sarcomere.

Microtubules make up eukaryotic flagella, and are used to move organelles within the cell, i.e. chromosomes during mitosis/meiosis.

Both microtubules and microfilaments make up the cytoskeleton of the intracellular space, and serve to move the cell and change its size.
Microtubules are made up of tubulin, microfilaments primarily composed of actin.

Microfilaments are also involved in phagocytosis I believe.

 

[water88]

I believe microfilaments are also involved in the cleavage furrow in animals.

 

[doc3232]

And intermediate filaments...they are also important.

 

[Transposition]

Also, those microtubules involved in during cell division are specifically called, Kinetochore microtubules; not spindle. spindle includes non-kinetochore microtubule and kinetochore microtubule. 🙂

I was about to start a new thread but found this in the mcat section so i decided to start a new thread and just copy it. Looks pretty helpful. If you have anything to add please do!

What are the main differences in structure and function of microtubules and microfilaments?

From what I understand: Microtubules are bigger (thicker) than microfilaments.

Microfilaments are the main component of the sarcomere.

Microtubules make up eukaryotic flagella, and are used to move organelles within the cell, i.e. chromosomes during mitosis/meiosis.

Both microtubules and microfilaments make up the cytoskeleton of the intracellular space, and serve to move the cell and change its size.
Microtubules are made up of tubulin, microfilaments primarily composed of actin.

Microfilaments are also involved in phagocytosis I believe.

 

[nixon13]

myofibrils made up of myofilaments or microfilaments deal with actin and myosin.

microfibrils- make up cellulose.

microtubules (thickest)- spindle formations etc..

 

[Chesnok]

Chromosomes are not organelles BTW just appear and reappear during cell divisions