Question

Describe the structure and function of microtubules.

Answer 1

Microtubules are filamentous intracellular structures that are responsible for various kinds of movements in all eukaryotic cells. •Microtubules are involved in nucleic and cell division, organization of intracellular structure, and intracellular transport, as well as ciliary and flagellar motility.

•Because the functions of microtubules are so critical to the existence of eukaryotic cells (including our own), it is important that we understand their composition, how they are assembled and disassembled, and how their assembly/disassembly and functions are regulated by cells.

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Answer 2

Microtubule Structure

Microtubules are hollow cylinders made up of repeating protein structures, specifically dimers of alpha and beta tubulin (also referred to in writing as ɑ-tubulin and β-tubulin). Dimers are complexes of two proteins. ɑ-tubulin and β-tubulin bind to each other to form a dimer, and then multiple units of these dimers bind together, always alternating alpha and beta, to form a chain called a protofilament. Then, thirteen protofilaments arrange into a cylindrical pattern to form a microtubule. Microtubules are constantly assembling and disassembling via the addition and removal of dimers. They are said to be in a state of dynamic equilibrium because their structure is maintained even though the individual molecules themselves are constantly changing.

Function of Microtubules

Cell Movement

Microtubules give structures like cilia and flagella their structure. Cilia are small protuberances of a cell. In humans, they are found on cells lining the trachea, where they prevent materials like mucus and dirt from entering the lungs. They are also found in the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system, where they help move the egg that is released from the ovary to the uterus. Flagella are tail-like appendages that allow cells to move. They are found in some bacteria, and human sperm also move via flagella. Microtubules also allow whole cells to “crawl” or migrate from one place to another by contracting at one end of the cell and expanding at another.