Microtubules: Difference between revisions
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Microtubules are a component of the cytoskeleton in cells. They are made up of a globular protein called tubulin and are roughly 25 nm in diameter. | Microtubules are a component of the cytoskeleton in cells. They are made up of a globular protein called tubulin and are roughly 25 nm in diameter. | ||
Microtubules have multiple functions within a cell. The rigidity of microtubules allows them to maintain the cell's shape. They also control movement of the cell as well as movement of intracellular organelles.<ref>Cooper. C. (2000) The Cell- A molecular approach, 2nd Edition, Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. | Microtubules have multiple functions within a cell. The rigidity of microtubules allows them to maintain the cell's shape. They also control movement of the cell as well as movement of intracellular organelles.<ref>Cooper. C. (2000) The Cell- A molecular approach, 2nd Edition, Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Chapter 11.</ref> During mitosis, microtubules form the mitotic spindle required to separate the chromosomes. | ||
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Revision as of 21:06, 22 November 2010
Microtubules are a component of the cytoskeleton in cells. They are made up of a globular protein called tubulin and are roughly 25 nm in diameter.
Microtubules have multiple functions within a cell. The rigidity of microtubules allows them to maintain the cell's shape. They also control movement of the cell as well as movement of intracellular organelles.[1] During mitosis, microtubules form the mitotic spindle required to separate the chromosomes.
References:
- ↑ Cooper. C. (2000) The Cell- A molecular approach, 2nd Edition, Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Chapter 11.