What is a primary function of microfilaments?

What is a primary function of microfilaments?

• A. Store energy for the cell
• B. Transport ions across membranes
• C. Generate ATP
• D. Involved in muscle contraction and intracellular movement; form part of the cytoskeleton

Answer: (D)

Microfilaments are thin, actin-based filaments that form part of the cytoskeleton and drive movement and shape changes in cells. They power muscle contraction by interacting with myosin motors, shortening muscle fibers. They also enable intracellular movement and remodeling of the cell, such as during cytokinesis when a contractile actin ring pinches the membrane, and they support vesicle transport along actin tracks. They provide mechanical support to the cell cortex as well. Energy storage and ATP production are metabolic processes handled by other structures, and ion transport across membranes is carried out by membrane proteins, not the filaments themselves. So the primary function is their role in muscle contraction and intracellular movement as part of the cytoskeleton.

Microfilaments are thin, actin-based filaments that form part of the cytoskeleton and drive movement and shape changes in cells. They power muscle contraction by interacting with myosin motors, shortening muscle fibers. They also enable intracellular movement and remodeling of the cell, such as during cytokinesis when a contractile actin ring pinches the membrane, and they support vesicle transport along actin tracks. They provide mechanical support to the cell cortex as well. Energy storage and ATP production are metabolic processes handled by other structures, and ion transport across membranes is carried out by membrane proteins, not the filaments themselves. So the primary function is their role in muscle contraction and intracellular movement as part of the cytoskeleton.