MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Intermediate filaments are the toughest and most durable amongst the three cytoskeletal filaments. While cytoplasmic intermediate filaments form rope like structures the intermediate filaments lining the inside of the nuclear membrane are organised as a two-dimensional mesh.

Detailed explanation-2: -The tight association between protofilaments provide intermediate filaments with a high tensile strength. This makes them the most stable component of the cytoskeleton. Intermediate filaments are therefore found in particularly durable structures such as hair, scales and fingernails.

Detailed explanation-3: -The thickest and strongest fibers of the cytoskeleton are the microtubules. The microtubule is composed the protein tubulin, which comes in alpha and beta form. Alpa and beta tubulin are globular proteins that combine to form a hollow tube-like structure.

Detailed explanation-4: -The unique structural organization of IF is in contrast to microtubules and microfilaments which are basically linear polymers of globular subunits. The molecular organization and physical properties of IF help to account for the fact that they are flexible, tough filaments.