The microfilament is formed of two strands of actin which are intertwined each other. Whereas the intermediate filaments are formed of fibrous proteins which are super coiled into thick cables. The diameter of the actin filament is only 7nm whereas that of the intermediate filaments ranges from 8 to 12nm.
Some of the functions of microfilaments are; it helps in changing the shape of the cell, it initiates muscle contraction, cell division, cytoplasmic streaming etc. The intermediate filament helps in anchoring the cell organelles and the nucleus in its place. It helps in the formation of the nuclear lamina.
