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What are two examples of filaments forming stable structures?

User Imelda
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Final answer:

Microfilaments and intermediate filaments are two examples of filaments that contribute to stable structures within cells, with microfilaments being vital for movement and intermediate filaments providing structural support and resistance to tension.

Step-by-step explanation:

Two examples of filaments forming stable structures are microfilaments and intermediate filaments. Microfilaments, composed of intertwined strands of actin, are crucial for processes like muscle contraction and the amoeboid movement in eukaryotic microbes.

Actin filaments exist in two forms—stiffer, polymerized gel form, which provides stability, and a more fluid, unpolymerized soluble form. The intermediate filaments, consisting of fibrous keratin proteins, maintain cell shape and resist tension, unlike microtubules which resist compression. They serve to anchor cellular organelles and facilitate cell-to-cell connections via special junctions. The adaptability and resistance to stretch of intermediate filaments are similar to those of titin molecules found in the muscles, underscoring their importance in cell stability and integrity.

User Nam Pham
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