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Microtubules definitions
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Define:
Microtubule
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Microtubule
Cytoskeletal structure acting as cellular tracks for moving vesicles and organelles, composed of tubulin dimers with inherent polarity.
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Terms in this set (15)
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Microtubule
Cytoskeletal structure acting as cellular tracks for moving vesicles and organelles, composed of tubulin dimers with inherent polarity.
Tubulin
Protein subunit forming dimers of alpha and beta types, assembling into protofilaments and ultimately microtubules.
Alpha Subunit
Component of a dimer, always positioned at the minus end, contributing to microtubule polarity and assembly.
Beta Subunit
Component of a dimer, always positioned at the plus end, facilitating rapid microtubule growth.
Polarity
Directional property distinguishing plus and minus ends, dictating growth dynamics and subunit addition rates.
GTP Cap
Region at the growing end where subunits retain unhydrolyzed GTP, stabilizing the structure and promoting further assembly.
GDP-bound Tubulin
Form of the protein after GTP hydrolysis, leading to destabilization and increased likelihood of depolymerization.
Microtubule Associated Protein
Molecule binding to the structure, enhancing stability and preventing unwanted disassembly.
Protofilament
Linear chain of dimers, serving as the foundational aggregate for microtubule assembly.
Nucleation
Initial aggregation of subunits at organizing centers, marking the first step in structure formation.
Microtubule Organizing Center
Cellular site where assembly begins, providing a platform for nucleation and growth.
Dynamic Instability
Behavior where one end alternates between growth and shrinkage, influenced by nucleotide state.
Treadmilling
Phenomenon where subunits are added at one end and lost at the other, resulting in net movement without length change.
Centrosome
Organelle organizing arrays during division, ensuring equal distribution of genetic material and organelles.
Centriole
Cylindrical structure within the organizing center, acting as a nucleation site for assembly during cell division.