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intermediate filament
intermediate filament Any of numerous microscopic protein fibres that form part of the cytoskeleton of eukaryote cells. With a diameter of about 10 nm, they are intermediate in size compared to the narrower microfilaments and the wider microtubules – the other main cytoskeletal components. Intermediate filaments are relatively sturdy, forming a three-dimensional mesh within the cell that gives structural support to the nucleus and other cell organelles. Each filament consists of several twisted strands of protein subunits. Intermediate filaments differ in the nature of their protein subunits, often according to the tissue in which the cell is found. For example, those found in protective skin cells consist of keratin subunits and form hair, nails, or wool when the cells die. Those of muscle cells consist of desmin subunits, while filaments in leucocytes are composed of vimentin.
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"intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-intermediatefilament.html "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-intermediatefilament.html |
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intermediate filament
intermediate filament A filament or fibre, approximately 10 nm in diameter, that contributes to the cytoskeletal structure of eukaryotic cells. There are several types, each composed of a different, non-motile, structural protein such as keratin, vimentin, or desmin.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-intermediatefilament.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-intermediatefilament.html |
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intermediate filament
intermediate filament A filament or fibre, approximately 10 nm in diameter, that contributes to the cytoskeletal structure of eukaryotic cells. There are several types, each composed of a different non-motile structural protein such as keratin, vimentin, or desmin.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-intermediatefilament.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "intermediate filament." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-intermediatefilament.html |
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