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Related Concept Videos

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
Microtubules in Signaling01:22

Microtubules in Signaling

The primary cilium, made up of microtubules, acts as antennae on the cell surfaces for relaying external stimuli into the cells. These fine hair-like structures are present, generally one per cell. These are non-motile cilia in a 9+0 microtubules arrangement, where the central pair of microtubules are absent. The primary cilia arise from the basal body embedded in the cell membrane. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) carries requisite proteins from the cytoplasm to the cilium because the primary...
Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

There are three types of cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotic cells—microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the thickest of these fibers. Microtubules carry out a variety of functions that include cell structure and support, transport of organelles, cell motility (movement), and the separation of chromosomes during cell division.Microtubules are hollow tubes whose walls are made up of globular tubulin proteins. Each tubulin...
Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer. These αβ-heterodimers...
Microtubules in Cell Motility01:24

Microtubules in Cell Motility

Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...
Microtubule Formation01:23

Microtubule Formation

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo continuous assembly and disassembly. They originate from specialized multi-protein complexes known as microtubule organizing centers or MTOCs. Within the MTOC, the point of origin of the microtubule is known as the minus end, while the end radiating outward is the plus end. Microtubules serve two primary functions — the organization of spindle complexes to separate sister chromatids during mitotic or meiotic cell division and the formation of...

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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Measurement of Microtubule Dynamics by Spinning Disk Microscopy in Monopolar Mitotic Spindles
08:31

Measurement of Microtubule Dynamics by Spinning Disk Microscopy in Monopolar Mitotic Spindles

Published on: November 15, 2019

Microtubule ionic conduction and its implications for higher cognitive functions.

Travis J A Craddock1, Jack A Tuszynski, Avner Priel

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. tcraddoc@phys.ualberta.ca

Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
|July 1, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The neuronal cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules, may act as biological electrical wires. Ions flow along these structures, transmitting intracellular signals crucial for neuron function and cognition.

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Modulating Cognition Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Cerebellum
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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Measurement of Microtubule Dynamics by Spinning Disk Microscopy in Monopolar Mitotic Spindles
08:31

Measurement of Microtubule Dynamics by Spinning Disk Microscopy in Monopolar Mitotic Spindles

Published on: November 15, 2019

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues
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Modulating Cognition Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Cerebellum
11:47

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Published on: February 15, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • The neuronal cytoskeleton, comprising microtubules and actin filaments, is increasingly implicated in higher cognitive functions.
  • These cytoskeletal elements are hypothesized to function as biological electrical wires, transmitting signals via ion clouds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of microtubules in neuronal electrical signaling.
  • To investigate the mechanisms by which the cytoskeleton transmits electrical signals within neurons.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microtubule structure, geometry, and electrostatics.
  • Development and application of electric circuit models for ionic flow along microtubules.
  • Integration of experimental data with theoretical models.

Main Results:

  • Microtubules possess unique properties enabling them to conduct electrical signals.
  • Ionic flow along microtubules is facilitated by tubulin C-terminal tails and nanopore openings.
  • The cytoskeleton acts as a transmission line for intracellular signals.

Conclusions:

  • The neuronal cytoskeleton, especially microtubules, functions as a critical component in neuronal electrical activity.
  • This cytoskeletal electrical conductance is significant for overall neuron function and higher cognitive processes like learning and memory.