What is a characteristic of microfilaments in cellular structure?

Microfilaments are key components of the cytoskeleton and are primarily composed of the protein actin. One of their main characteristics is that they play a crucial role in determining the shape of the cell, providing structural support that helps maintain cellular integrity. Additionally, microfilaments are essential for muscle contraction; they interact with other proteins, such as myosin, to enable the contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers. This fundamental function allows for movement and various cellular processes critical for organismal function.

The role of microfilaments goes beyond serving structural purposes; they are also involved in various cellular processes, including cell motility and division, yet the determination of cell shape and facilitation of muscle contraction remain their most distinctive functions. This highlights the importance of microfilaments in both supporting the architecture of cells and actively contributing to dynamic movements within tissues.