Differentiate microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules

Microfilaments, also know as actin filaments, are solid rods composed mainly of globular proteins called actin, arranged in a twisted double chain. Microfilaments form a 3D network just inside the plasma membrane that helps to support the cell's shape. Also involved in movement, and contraction of muscles. The motor protein myosin attaches to the microfilament in order to do this.

Intermediate filaments reinforce cell shape and anchor certain organelles. While microfilaments may be disassembled and reassembled elsewhere, intermediate filaments are often more permeant fixtures in the cell. The outer layer of your skin consists of dead skin cells full of intermediate filaments made of keratin protein.

Microtubules are straight, hallow tubes composed of globular proteins called tubulin. Microtubules elongate by the addition of tubulin proteins, which consist of two subunits. They can be disassembled and the protein tubulin can be used elsewhere. The centrioles, which are responsible for DNA organization during cell division, are based on microtubules.