Questions and Answers
What is the diameter of a microtubule?
What is formed when alphatubulin and betatubulin join together?
What is the function of the microtubule organizing center?
What is the characteristic of microtubules that allows them to fulfill their functions?
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What is the term for the process of adding or removing dimers to change the length of a microtubule?
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What is the shape of the structure formed when dimers are joined together?
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What is the term for the end of the microtubule where dimers can be added or removed quickly?
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How many types of microtubule organizing centers are mentioned in the content?
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What is the main function of centrioles during mitosis?
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What is the structure composed of nine triplets of microtubules?
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What is the protein on the chromosome that serves as an anchoring site for microtubules?
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What is the name of the microtubules that are attached to the centrioles and run between the two poles of the cell?
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What is the purpose of the centrosome in a cell?
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What is the term for the blue fibers that hold the chromosomes in a specific way during metaphase?
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How many microtubules make up one centriole?
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What is the term for the part of the centriole that contains the microtubules and is located near the poles of the cell?
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During which stage of mitosis do the centrioles duplicate and form a pair on either side of the cell?
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What is the name of the organelle that is found near the nucleus of a cell and is composed of proteins and centrioles?
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What is the name of the structure that forms a star-like shape during mitosis?
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What is the purpose of the mitotic spindle?
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What is the function of centrioles?
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What type of microtubule organizing center is found in cells with cilia or flagella?
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What is the function of flagella in human cells?
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What is the difference between cilia and flagella?
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What is the name of the structure that consists of centrioles plus other proteins?
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What happens to the microtubules during anaphase?
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What is the purpose of the mitotic spindle in anaphase?
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Where are basal bodies typically found?
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What is the specific arrangement of microtubules in a cilium or flagellum?
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What is the protein that helps to keep microtubules in their place in a cilium or flagellum?
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What is the function of dynein in a cilium or flagellum?
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What is the role of microtubules in internal transport in neurons?
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What are the two proteins that help shuttle substances along the microtubule railroad track in neurons?
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What is one type of substance that can be shuttled down the microtubule railroad track in neurons?
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What is the process called that involves the transport of substances from the soma to the axon or synaptic terminal in neurons?
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What is the significance of microtubules in the transport of synaptic vesicles in neurons?
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What is the role of microtubules in the transport of organelles in neurons?
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What is the function of kinesin and dynein in axonal transport?
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Study Notes
Microtubule Structure
- Microtubules are made up of two proteins: alphatubulin and betatubulin
- These proteins join to form a dimer, which then form long chains or polymers
- These polymers are arranged in a sheet-like structure, which is then rolled up to form a tube
- The diameter of a microtubule is approximately 25 nanometers
- Microtubules are dynamic, meaning they can change length quickly by adding or removing dimers at one end
Microtubule Organizing Centers (MTOCs)
- MTOCs are structures that anchor microtubules
- There are two types of MTOCs: centrosomes and basal bodies
- Centrosomes are found near the nucleus in eukaryotic cells and are involved in mitosis
- Basal bodies are found in cells with cilia or flagella and are involved in the formation of these structures
Centrosomes
- Centrosomes are composed of two centrioles and other proteins
- Each centriole is made up of nine pairs of microtubules (9+2 arrangement)
- Centrioles duplicate during mitosis and move to opposite poles of the cell
- Microtubules from the centrioles form the mitotic spindle, which separates chromosomes during mitosis
Basal Bodies
- Basal bodies are found in cells with cilia or flagella
- They have a similar structure to centrioles, with nine pairs of microtubules (9+2 arrangement)
- Cilia and flagella are hair-like or tail-like projections that help move substances or the cell itself
Microtubule Functions
- Microtubules play a crucial role in the internal transport of neurons
- They form a network that runs from the soma to the synaptic terminal
- Different substances, such as synaptic vesicles, proteins, and lipids, are transported along this network with the help of kinesin and dynein proteins
- Microtubules also play a role in the transport of nerve signals by transporting synaptic vesicles to the synaptic terminal
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Description
This quiz covers the structure of microtubules, including their composition and formation. Learn about the role of alphatubulin and betatubulin in microtubule formation.