Air Purifier Pre-Filters

I had a technical question regarding some pre-filters on my older Air Purifier. The pre-filters are on the bottom of the unit and fit inside kind of like dresser drawers. They have metal plates and in between the metal plates are wires that span across like small e strings on a guitar.

My question is twofold. 1) What is the function of these wires, and 2) if 2-3 of them are missing out of one of the pre-filters does it, or can it, affect the funtionability or efficiency of the unit?

I'm hoping to get answers from HVAC saavy folks. I could have paid $30.00 for an answer online but I didn't think the answer was worth that much.