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When it comes to mitosis, this process is facilitated by a subgroup of microtubules known as astral microtubules, which are microtubules originating from the centrosome that do not connect to a kinetochore. Astral microtubules develop in the actin skeleton and interact with the cell cortex to aid in orientation of spindles during cell division. They are organized around the centrosomes into radial arrays. Astral microtubules function in in tandem with specialized dynein motors, which are oriented with the light chain portion attached to the cell membrane and the dynamic portion which is attached to the microtubule. This allows for dynein contraction to pull the centrosome towards the cell membrane, thus assisting in cytokinesis in plants and animals.

Microtubules act as conveyer belts inside cells. They help to move vesicles, granules and organelles like mitochondria, and chromosomes via special attachment proteins. Vesicles get attached to microtubule associated proteins and move along the microtubule conveyer belt. The microtubule associated proteins include kinesins and dynein which move along the microtubules in opposite directions. Kinesins move vesicles along towards the plus end and dynein moves towards the minus end. This is how vesicles are moved from one region to another. This is active transport and hence, requires the breakdown of ATP, though it is not yet known how the energy from ATP breakdown is converted into vectorial transport.

Also, it is microtubules that join with other proteins to form more complex structures called cilia, flagella or centrioles. Microtubules also play a role in maintaining the cytoskeleton, that is, the basic structure of the cell. This is because, structurally, they are linear polymers of tubulin which is a globular protein present in the cytoplasm. Read more on cytoplasm function in a cell.

This was all about the structure and function of microtubules in a cell. Microtubules functioning and formation can be disrupted by the use of certain drugs. This is the basis of using certain drugs like colchicine which help to treat cancer. These drugs inhibit polymerization by binding to tubulin and preventing its addition to the (+) ends.

{ Q. Does anyone know .... what do the microtubules form between the centrioles? A. They form Bridges. }

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Laurie Hammes

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3y ago

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Related Questions

What is the function of polar microtubules?

Polar microtubules are a type of microtubule that play a key role in cellular processes such as cell division (mitosis and meiosis). They help in organizing and segregating chromosomes during cell division by attaching to the kinetochore proteins on chromosomes and facilitating their movement. Additionally, polar microtubules contribute to the overall structure and organization of the cell's cytoskeleton.


Are spindle fibres and microtubules same?

Yes, spindle fibers and microtubules are essentially the same in that spindle fibers are composed of microtubules. Microtubules are a component of the cytoskeleton, made of tubulin protein subunits, and they play various roles in cellular structure and transport. During cell division, specifically in mitosis and meiosis, microtubules organize into spindle fibers that help separate chromosomes. Thus, while all spindle fibers are microtubules, not all microtubules function as spindle fibers.


What is the function of the centrosomes?

it is an area in the cell where microtubules are produced.


What is the main function of microtubules in the cell?

They serve as transportation in the cell. Like conveyor belts.To provide structural support


What is the function of a Microfilaments in a plant cell?

in cells, microfilaments support cytoplasm and microtubules transport materials within cytoplasm


What is the function of a microtubles in a animal cell?

Like bones, microtubules provide a rigid structure for the cell so it is not a shapeless blob.


What is the function of the centriole pair?

It organizes the microtubules in mitosis. The microtubules move the chromosomes around the cell during mitosis, most importantly lining the chromosomes up at the metaphase plate in metaphase so that they can split up into the two daughter cells.


Which of the following cytoplasmic structures function in the transport of vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus?

Microtubules are involved in the transport of vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. They serve as tracks for motor proteins that move the vesicles along the cell.


What is the function of tubulin?

Tubulin is a protein that polymerizes to form microtubules, which are essential components of the cytoskeleton. Microtubules play roles in cell structure, cell division, intracellular transport, and cell motility.


Are spindle fibers and microtubes the same?

Spindle fibers and microtubules are closely related but not identical. Microtubules are the structural components of the cytoskeleton, made of tubulin protein subunits, and play various roles in cell shape, transport, and division. Spindle fibers, specifically, are a type of microtubule that form during cell division (mitosis and meiosis) to help separate chromosomes. While all spindle fibers are microtubules, not all microtubules function as spindle fibers.


What is the stystem of microtubules?

The Cytoskeleton is a system of microtubules, in a cell.


Organelles used to move chromosomes are the?

microtubules