Question

What is the difference between microfilaments and microtubules?

A.microtubules act as a track to move organelles around the cell, whereas, microfilaments are involved in cell division
B. microfilaments are long tubes and microtubules are small tubes.
C.microfilaments give the cell its strength, and microtubules give the cell its shape.
D.microtubules are found in the cytoplasm and microfilaments are in the nucleus.

Answer 1

Microfilaments are thin structures composed of actin, important for cell shape and movement, while microtubules are larger, tubular structures that maintain cell integrity, assist in organelle transport, chromosome separation during cell division, and form structures like cilia and flagella.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between microfilaments and microtubules centers on their structure and function within the cytoskeleton of a cell. Microfilaments, composed primarily of the protein actin, are thinner and support cell shape, enable cellular movements through contractions, and are essential in muscle contraction. In contrast, microtubules are larger, hollow structures made of alpha and beta-tubulin dimers that help the cell resist compression, serve as tracks for vesicle transport, and are crucial in separating chromosomes during cell division. Microtubules also form the structure of cilia and flagella which facilitates cell movement.