Final answer:
Without intermediate filaments, epithelial cells would lose structural integrity and become vulnerable to stress and damage, leading to weakened tissue cohesion and potentially impaired function.
Step-by-step explanation:
If intermediate filaments were absent in epithelial cells, the structural integrity of the cells would be compromised. Intermediate filaments play a crucial role in bearing tension and maintaining cell shape by providing a supportive scaffolding within the cell. They are composed of keratin proteins intertwined together, acting like a rope to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses.
Without intermediate filaments, epithelial cells would be more susceptible to damage when subjected to stress. For example, the epithelial cells in our skin experience tension regularly; without the support of intermediate filaments, they could easily tear or become deformed. Additionally, intermediate filaments are responsible for anchoring organelles in place and securing cell-to-cell connections such as desmosomes, which are essential for the tissue’s tensile strength—particularly in organs and tissues that undergo stretching such as the skin, heart, and muscles. Such cells would lack cohesion and stability, resulting in weakened tissue structures and potentially impaired function.