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Microtubules in Cell Motility

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...

Microtubules in Cell Motility

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...

Microtubules

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

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...

Microtubule Formation

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...

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

Published on: May 10, 2022

Measuring microtubule thickness: an exercise in cooperativity.

Jason Stumpff¹

¹Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.

Developmental Cell

|July 21, 2012

Summary

Doublecortin (DCX) helps neurons migrate by binding cooperatively to growing microtubule ends. This process nucleates and stabilizes 13-protofilament microtubules, clarifying DCX

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Doublecortin (DCX) is a crucial microtubule-associated protein involved in neuronal migration.
The precise mechanisms by which DCX facilitates neuronal migration are not fully understood.

Discussion:

Bechstedt and Brouhard (2012) investigated the molecular mechanisms of DCX function.
Their findings highlight the importance of DCX's interaction with microtubules.

Key Insights:

DCX exhibits cooperative binding to microtubules.
DCX preferentially binds to and stabilizes growing microtubule ends.
This interaction is critical for nucleating and stabilizing 13-protofilament microtubules.

Outlook:

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

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

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Published on: May 10, 2022

Flexural Rigidity Measurements of Biopolymers Using Gliding Assays

Flexural Rigidity Measurements of Biopolymers Using Gliding Assays

Published on: November 9, 2012

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

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

Published on: November 15, 2019

Understanding DCX's role in microtubule dynamics provides insights into neuronal development.
Further research can explore therapeutic targets for neurological disorders related to migration defects.