Mikrotubul

Mikrotubul is a type of component of the eukaryotic cell. It is one of the key elements found within the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is the complex network of filaments, tubules, and associated proteins that provide structural support, shape, and movement to eukaryotic cells.

Mikrotubul is composed of two main subunits, alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin, which are heterodimers. These subunits are arranged in a helical fashion to form the microtubule structure. This structure is highly dynamic, and microtubules can change their shape and organization depending on the cell's needs. They are composed of a large number of subunits of tubulin, each of which makes up the microtubular mass.

Microtubules play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including the formation and movement of cilia and flagella, the determination of cell shape, and the provision of mechanical support to the endoplasmic reticulum. They also function in cell division, serving as a structural framework for the mitotic spindle. The microtubules are involved in the movement of materials within the cell as well as in the intracellular transport of molecules and vesicles.

Microtubule dynamics are tightly regulated by multiple factors including kinesins and dyneins that move along the microtubules, proteins that stabilize or destabilize microtubules, and the formation and shrinkage of dynastin-microtubule bonds. The regulation and tuning of microtubule dynamics are essential for cell function and survival.