Mikrotubuller

Mikrotubuller are microscopic hollow tubes that are part of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. They are composed of polymers of tubulin, a globular protein. These dynamic structures play a crucial role in maintaining cell shape, facilitating intracellular transport, and forming essential components of the spindle fibers during cell division. They are also found in cilia and flagella, where they contribute to cell motility.

The assembly and disassembly of mikrotubulles are tightly regulated processes, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions. This dynamic instability is essential for their various functions. Mikrotubulles originate from organizing centers within the cell, such as the centrosome in animal cells. Their arrangement and stability are influenced by a variety of associated proteins, known as mikrotubulle-associated proteins (MAPs). These MAPs can stabilize mikrotubulles, promote their assembly, or link them to other cellular structures. The precise structure and function of mikrotubulles are vital for the overall health and operation of eukaryotic organisms.