Microtubule

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Microtubule

Microtubule (pronounced: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈtjuːbjuːl/) is a component of the cytoskeleton, found throughout the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells.

Etymology

The term "microtubule" is derived from the Greek words "mikros" meaning small, and "tubulus" meaning a small tube.

Definition

Microtubules are cylindrical structures that are involved in maintaining the structure of the cell and, together with microfilaments and intermediate filaments, they form the cytoskeleton. They also play crucial roles in mitosis, intracellular transport, and signal transduction.

Structure

Microtubules are composed of tubulin, a globular protein. Each microtubule is made up of 13 parallel strands called protofilaments, which are themselves composed of a linear chain of tubulin dimers, each consisting of one alpha-tubulin and one beta-tubulin molecule.

Function

Microtubules have several functions. During mitosis, the microtubules of the mitotic spindle help separate the chromosomes into the daughter cells. Microtubules also form the axonemes of cilia and flagella, and are involved in the transport of organelles and vesicles within the cell, a process known as intracellular trafficking.

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