What is the difference between microtubules and microfilaments?

Answer 1

microtubules and microfilaments are alike in some ways, but are NOT the same. Microtubules are the building blocks to actin and provide structure and cell strength. They are thinner in relation to microtubules.

Microtubules are made from tubulin, and are seen in different cell function, such as mitosis (extend from centrosomes to attach to centromere kinetechore), reproductive system (making up flagella that move sperm or cilia in fallopian tubes to catch/move the egg) and respiratory system (cilia in the lungs to remove debris and keep lungs clean).

Answer 2

Microtubules participate in a wide variety of cell activities. Most involve motion. Made up of alpha and beta tubulin.

Microfilaments provide mechanical strength to the cell andare relatively thin compared to microtubules.They also link transmembrane proteins (cell surface receptors) to cytoplasmic proteins. They anchor the centrosomes at opposite poles of the cell during mitosis and pinches during cytokinesis They are made up of protein actin.

Answer 3

Microtubules are larger cylindrical structures made of tubulin proteins, providing structural support and serving as tracks for organelle transport within the cell. Microfilaments are thin fibers made of actin proteins, involved in cell movement, cytokinesis, and maintaining cell shape. Both are essential components of the cytoskeleton but differ in size, protein composition, and functions within the cell.