Final answer:
Intermediate filaments, composed of fibrous proteins like keratin, provide structural support inside the cell, resisting tension, maintaining cell shape, and anchoring organelles and the nucleus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intermediate filaments radiate throughout the interior of a cell and play a critical role in maintaining its structural integrity. These filaments are made up of fibrous proteins, such as keratin, that are intertwined and offer strength and support. Unlike microtubules, which primarily resist compression, intermediate filaments specialize in resisting tension, protecting cells from forces that might otherwise pull them apart.
In addition to preserving cell shape, they anchor the nucleus and other organelles, providing a supportive scaffolding within the cell. Furthermore, they are essential in forming cell-to-cell junctions, helping to hold tissue cells together and resist external physical stresses.