Question

What is the structural characteristic of intermediate filaments that contributes to their ability to resist tension?

a. Helical coiling
b. Branched architecture
c. Rope-like structure
d. Spherical conformation

How does the rope-like structure of intermediate filaments impact their tension resistance?
a. It weakens their ability to bear weight.
b. It provides flexibility but reduces strength.
c. It enhances their resistance to tension.
d. It makes them susceptible to compression.

What role does the tension resistance of intermediate filaments play in cellular function?
a. It decreases cellular stability.
b. It limits the range of cellular movements.
c. It supports structural integrity and stability.
d. It promotes cellular division.

In which cellular component can intermediate filaments bear weight due to their tension resistance?
a. Endoplasmic reticulum
b. Nucleus
c. Mitochondria
d. Golgi apparatus

How does the tension-resistant property of intermediate filaments affect their role in cellular mechanics?
a. It hinders their involvement in cellular transport.
b. It enables them to participate in cell signaling.
c. It contributes to their role in maintaining cell shape.
d. It promotes their disassembly during cellular stress.

Answer 1

Intermediate filaments have a rope-like structure that enhances their ability to resist tension, crucial for maintaining cell shape and stability. They form supportive scaffolding within the cell, especially around the nucleus, and play a significant role in cellular mechanics, including resisting mechanical stress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structural characteristic of intermediate filaments that contributes to their ability to resist tension is their rope-like structure. This structure is due to the long fibrous subunits of proteins like keratin that are wound together, resembling the threads in a rope. The design of these filaments enhances their resistance to tension forces that pull apart cells, helping to maintain the cell's shape and structural integrity.

In terms of cellular function, the tension resistance of intermediate filaments is crucial for supporting the cell's structural integrity and stability. This characteristic ensures that cells can withstand stretching and bending without sustaining damage. Intermediate filaments are particularly important in areas where cells are likely to experience mechanical stress, such as the skin's epithelial cells.

The tension-resistant property of intermediate filaments significantly contributes to their role in cellular mechanics. Due to their ability to bear tension, they are key in maintaining cell shape, even during external mechanical stresses, contributing to the overall mechanical properties of the cell.