Question

What is the Microvilli? State the functions of a Microvilli?
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Answer 1

microwilli are microscopic cellular membrane protusions that increase the surface area for diffusion and minimize any increase in volume and are involved in wide variety of functions including absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion

Answer 2

Hola Amigo,and as always there you go..XDDD:

Detailed Definition:

Microvilli, in the most simplistic terms, are tiny little projections that exist in, on, and around cells. They can exist on their own or in conjunction with villi. The linings in some mucous membranes, most specifically of the small intestine, there exist tiny folds that project out like numerous fingers. These are called villi. On each of the villi, there are even smaller folds that stick out like fingers called microvilli. If you have ever seen a metric ruler, you can see the centimeters and in between those are the millimeters. It is a similar thing here; the villi would be like the centimeters, while the microvilli would be the millimeters falling in between.

The microvilli have their own plasma membrane that covers them. Inside of them, they have almost no organelles, but they do have cytoplasm (cellular fluid) and some microfilaments (strands of actin, a protein), which help give them their structure. They are essentially bundles of cross-linked actin fibers. Think of them as the fibers of a cotton shirt.

Function:

Microvilli function as the primary surface of nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this vital function, the microvillar membrane is packed with enzymes that aid in the breakdown of complex nutrients into simpler compounds that are more easily absorbed. For example, enzymes that digest carbohydrates called glycosidases are present at high concentrations on the surface of enterocyte microvilli. Thus, microvilli not only increase the cellular surface area for absorption, they also increase the number of digestive enzymes that can be present on the cell surface.