Question

How is the structure of intermediate filament subunits related to the function of the assembled filaments?

Answer 1

Perhaps the most important function of intermediate filaments is to provide mechanical support for the plasma membrane where it comes into contact with other cells or with the extracellular matrix. Unlike microfilaments and microtubules, intermediate filaments do not participate in cell motility.

Two types of intermediate filaments, desmin and the neurofilaments, play specialized roles in muscle and nerve cells, respectively. Desmin connects the individual actin-myosin assemblies of muscle cells both to one another and to the plasma membrane, thereby linking the actions of individual contractile elements.

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