Microtubulin
Microtubulin is an important protein filament which is a major component of the cytoskeleton[1]. It is make up from globular tubulin dimers, which come together to form hollow cylinders which are 24nm in diameter[2]. Microtubulin has numerous functions, for example they have a vital role in cell division and protein movement around the cell. For example in animal cells microtubules extend from the centrosome and spread across the cell to form a transport network as part of the cytoskeleton. In mitosis the microtubules are responsible for separating the chromosomes into the two daughter cells by attaching to them as mitotic spindles[3].
Reference
- ↑ 2 W. H. Freeman and Company (2000).Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition.Section 19.1 Microtubule Structures.
- ↑ David R. Caprette http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/studies/invertebrates/microtubules.html
- ↑ Inkling. (2014). alberts essential cell biology. Available: https://www.inkling.com/read/alberts-essential-cell-biology-4th/chapter-17/microtubules. Last accessed 20th October 2014.