Question

Indicate whether each of the following descriptions matches actin filaments (A), microtubules (M), or intermediate filaments (I). Your answer would be a three-letter string composed of letters A, M, and I only, e.g. MMA.

(A) They have the smallest persistence length.
(B) They lack polarity.
(C) They have the highest tensile strength.

Answer 1

Actin filaments have the smallest persistence length, microtubules have the highest tensile strength, and intermediate filaments lack polarity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Actin filaments (A) match description A: They have the smallest persistence length. Actin filaments are thin filaments that function in moving cellular components, such as during cell division. They are also responsible for muscle cell contraction.

Microtubules (M) match description C: They have the highest tensile strength. Microtubules are thick, hollow tubes that guide organelle movement and are involved in cell division. They also form structures like flagella and cilia.

Intermediate filaments (I) match description B: They lack polarity. Intermediate filaments have intermediate diameter and provide structural functions, maintaining cell shape and anchoring organelles. Keratin is an example of an intermediate filament.