Microtubules

Microtubules

Long, hollow cylinder made up of protein tubulins.

Tubulin heterodimer

is the basic building block of microtubules, consisting of one alpha and one beta tubulin protein.

Alpha-tubulin

one of the two types of protein subunits that combine with beta-tubulin to form microtubules and have binding site of GTP

Beta-tubulin

the other type of protein subunit that pairs with alpha-tubulin to form microtubules and also has a GTP binding site, which is the only one that allows GTP hydrolyzed

Dynamic instability

a specific behavior of microtubules where individual microtubules randomly switch between phases of growth (polymerization) and shrinkage (depolymerization).

GTP-cap

a structure formed by the addition of GTP-bound tubulin dimers to the growing end of a microtubule, which stabilizes it and prevents depolymerization.

Microtubules dynamic

a broader term that refers to any condition where microtubules become unstable, leading to uncontrolled shrinkage, disassembly, or improper function.

Gamma-tubulin ring complex

A complex involved in the nucleation of microtubules, facilitating their assembly at the centrosome by providing a template for growth.

Centrosome

Microtubules are organized by a microtubules organizing center that serves as the primary site for microtubule nucleation and anchoring.

Microtubules-associated Protein (MAP)

are proteins that bind to microtubules and assist in their stabilization, organization, and regulation within the cell.

Capping Protein

proteins that bind to both (±) ends of microtubules or actin filaments to regulate their stabilizes, regulates growth, or interacts with other structures

Kinesin

A type of motor protein that moves along microtubules, transporting cellular materials and organelles towards the plus end.

Dynein

A type of motor protein that moves along microtubules, transporting cellular materials and organelles towards the minus end.

Motor Protein, ATP bound

The motor domain is tightly associated with the microtubules and is activated by ATP hydrolysis, allowing movement along the filament.

Motor protein, ADP bound

The motor domain is loosely associated with microtubules, resulting in a decreased affinity for the filament and reduced movement.

Microtubules are:

List of Requirement: intracellular organization, responsible for chromosome movement in mitosis, and involved in a long range vesicle transport