Both the microfilaments and microtubules are assembled from subunits of different proteins-tubulin for microtubules, and actin for microfilaments. Both of them create motion by way of an active sliding mechanism, which works similar to the ore of a boat. There is a protein crossbridge that extends from the surface of the microtubules or microfilaments. One end of the bridge is attached to the surface, and the other end may attach to either another microfilament, or another cell surface. It makes an attachment at the reactive end and swivels a short distance, and then releases.
Some cellular movements depend solely on the microtubule activity- for example, flagellum.
Microfilaments however are responsible for other movements, like the flowing motion of cytoplasm for instance, and also muscle cell contractions. Microtubules and microfilaments also form networks in the eukaryote's cytoplasm. In some cells, especially animal cells, intermediate filaments also add support to the cytoplasm. One of the most widely distributed intermediate filament is desmin . Desmin occurs mainly in muscle cells, which are also reinforced by vimentin, another intermediate filament.