Podcast
Questions and Answers
Microtubules grow preferentially at the ______ end.
Microtubules grow preferentially at the ______ end.
plus
Microtubules are nucleated at the ______ end by gamma tubulin ring complexes.
Microtubules are nucleated at the ______ end by gamma tubulin ring complexes.
minus
GTP-hydrolysis controls microtubule ______.
GTP-hydrolysis controls microtubule ______.
stability
MAP 2 and tau regulate microtubule ______.
MAP 2 and tau regulate microtubule ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Independent Cdc42 regulation affects both microfilaments and ______.
Independent Cdc42 regulation affects both microfilaments and ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Katanin is able to ______ microtubules.
Katanin is able to ______ microtubules.
Signup and view all the answers
Microtubule plus-end binding proteins regulate growth and ______ of microtubules.
Microtubule plus-end binding proteins regulate growth and ______ of microtubules.
Signup and view all the answers
Free microtubules are present in neuronal cells and ______ cells.
Free microtubules are present in neuronal cells and ______ cells.
Signup and view all the answers
What determines the size of the free pool of tubulin in microtubules?
What determines the size of the free pool of tubulin in microtubules?
Signup and view all the answers
Which structure is characterized by two centrioles and pericentriolar material?
Which structure is characterized by two centrioles and pericentriolar material?
Signup and view all the answers
What role do plus-end binding proteins play in microtubule dynamics?
What role do plus-end binding proteins play in microtubule dynamics?
Signup and view all the answers
What mechanism controls the stability of microtubules?
What mechanism controls the stability of microtubules?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of microtubule motors?
What is the primary function of microtubule motors?
Signup and view all the answers
What visual technique elucidates the dynamic behavior of individual microtubules?
What visual technique elucidates the dynamic behavior of individual microtubules?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the principle of dynamic instability in microtubules?
Which of the following best describes the principle of dynamic instability in microtubules?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of gamma tubulin ring complexes in microtubules?
What is the role of gamma tubulin ring complexes in microtubules?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of microtubule configuration is characterized by varying numbers of tubulin dimers?
Which type of microtubule configuration is characterized by varying numbers of tubulin dimers?
Signup and view all the answers
How do microtubules contribute to cell movement?
How do microtubules contribute to cell movement?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Microtubules: Structure and Function
- Microtubules are found in various cellular locations, exhibiting similar structures.
- Microtubules are composed of α- and β-tubulin dimers, which form protofilaments.
- Protofilaments align to create the hollow microtubule cylinder.
- Microtubules display dynamic instability, alternating between growth and shrinkage phases.
- Microtubules grow preferentially at the plus (+) end and shrink at the minus (-) end.
- Microtubule growth depends on the availability of tubulin subunits and GTP.
- GTP hydrolysis controls microtubule stability.
- Microtubules grow from a microtubule organizing centre (MTOC) such as centrioles.
- The centrosome has two centrioles and pericentriolar material (PCM).
- γ-tubulin ring complexes nucleate microtubule assembly at the minus end.
- Various microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) influence microtubule stability and spacing, including MAP2 and tau.
- Plus-end binding proteins, such as kinesin and catastrophe factor, regulate microtubule growth and shrinkage.
- Motor proteins like kinesin and dynein move along microtubules, facilitating intracellular transport.
- Kinesin moves towards the plus end, whereas dynein moves towards the minus end.
- Dynein-dynactin complex facilitates minus-end directed motor movement along microtubules.
Microtubules in Cell Processes
- Microtubules are crucial for cell shape and movement, including cilia and flagella function.
- Cilia and flagella are used for propulsion.
- Cilia move materials across cell surfaces.
- Microtubules are essential during mitosis, assisting with chromosome separation.
- Microtubules support the movement of organelles within the cell.
- Microtubules play a critical role in the movement of vesicles.
- Microtubule dynamics are visualized using GFP-EB1 and GFP-tubulin.
- Fluorescence microscopy reveals microtubule growth and shrinkage in vivo.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on microtubules and their dynamics in this quiz. Topics include microtubule growth, regulation by various proteins, and their role in neuronal and other cells. Whether you're studying for a class or just interested in cell biology, this quiz covers essential concepts.
