Centrosomien

The centrosome is a critical cellular structure found in almost all eukaryotic cells, playing a key role in organizing microtubules and facilitating processes essential for cell division, shape maintenance, and intracellular transport. Composed primarily of two centrioles and a surrounding pericentriolar matrix, the centrosome serves as the main microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in animal cells.

Each centriole is a cylindrical structure made up of nine sets of triplet microtubules arranged in a radial pattern, resembling a barrel shape. These centrioles are typically oriented perpendicularly to one another and are surrounded by the pericentriolar matrix, a dense protein network that nucleates and anchors microtubules. During interphase, the centrosome helps maintain cell polarity and supports the transport of organelles and vesicles along microtubules. Its position near the nucleus also influences the organization of the cytoskeleton, contributing to cellular architecture.

During cell division, the centrosome undergoes duplication to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set. The duplicated centrosomes migrate to opposite poles of the cell, forming the mitotic spindle, which segregates chromosomes during mitosis. This process is crucial for accurate chromosome distribution and proper cell division. Defects in centrosome function or duplication can lead to genomic instability, contributing to diseases such as cancer.

While centrosomes are absent in some eukaryotic lineages, such as higher plants and fungi, they are universally present in animal cells. Variations in centrosome structure and behavior exist across different species, reflecting evolutionary adaptations. Research on centrosomes continues to provide insights into fundamental cellular mechanisms, with implications for understanding developmental biology, disease pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic targets.