Intermediate filaments

Intermediate filaments are a component of cytoskeleton. They are around 10 nm, and are present in both cytoplasm and nucleus. These help provide the cell with mechanical strength and are also strong and stable. The different types of intermediate filaments that can be found in the cytoplasm of different cells can be used in tumour characterisation techniques within the health and research industries. The main type of intermediate filaments found in the nucleus are called nuclear lamins, these lie just underneath the inner face of the nuclear envelope and provide mechanical strength to the nucleus as well as providing attachment sites for the chromosomes, but do break down during mitosis cell division.

 

Alberts,B., Johnson,A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., and Watson, J. (2007). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition. Garland.