Definition
microfilaments
noun
- Thin protein filaments found in the cytoplasm of cells, composed mainly of actin, that play a role in cell movement, shape, and contraction.
Usage: biology; plural form; singular is microfilament; also called actin filaments
Examples
- Microfilaments are essential components of the cytoskeleton that help cells move and change shape.
- During muscle contraction, microfilaments interact with thick filaments to produce force.
- The cell's microfilaments are composed primarily of actin protein molecules.
- Microfilaments enable the formation of cellular structures like filopodia and lamellipodia.
- Under a microscope, microfilaments appear as thin strands within the cell's cytoplasm.
- Disruption of microfilaments can prevent cell division and movement.