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Microtubules definitions

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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.