1. 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.