Microtubules – Structure, Function and Important FAQs

Microtubules Structure and Function

Microtubules are barrel-shaped, hollow tubes composed of the protein tubulin. They are found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells and are responsible for a variety of cellular functions, including cell division, movement, and structural support.

Microtubules are formed when two identical tubulin molecules join together to form a dimer. Dimers then associate to form protofilaments, which in turn associate to form a microtubule. Microtubules can grow or shrink in length by adding or subtracting tubulin monomers.

Microtubules play a critical role in cell division. During mitosis, microtubules attach to the chromosomes and help to move them to the poles of the cell. They also help to separate the chromosomes into the daughter cells.

Microtubules also play a role in cell movement. They help to anchor the cell to its surroundings and to transport cellular components from one area of the cell to another.

Microtubules also play a role in the structural support of the cell. They help to maintain the cell’s shape and to keep the organelles in their correct positions.

Role of Actin Filaments in Cell Movement

Cell movement is a complex process that requires the coordinated action of many different proteins. One protein that is essential for cell movement is actin. Actin is a protein that forms long, thin filaments in the cell. These filaments play a role in cell movement by helping to create the force that pushes the cell forward.

Intracellular Organization of Microtubules

• Microtubules are cylindrical protein polymers that found in the cytoplasm of cells. They are important for many cellular functions, including cell division, movement, and protein trafficking.
• Microtubules assembled from two types of protein subunits: alpha and beta tubulin. These subunits assembled into a polymer called a protofilament. Protofilaments then associate with each other to form a microtubule.
• Microtubules are highly dynamic structures that constantly rebuilt and rearranged. This is in part due to the fact that they are not static, but instead have a polarity. The plus end of a microtubule is the end that is growing, while the minus end is the end that is shrinking.
• Microtubules play a critical role in intracellular transport. Proteins and other cellular components transported along microtubules to their destination within the cell. This done by motor proteins that attach to the microtubule and use it as a track to move along.