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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
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...
Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated assembly and...
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.
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
07:20

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Published on: February 18, 2022

Microtubule organization in vitro.

Marileen Dogterom1, Thomas Surrey

  • 1FOM Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands. dogterom@amolf.nl

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|January 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microtubules form distinct patterns essential for cell architecture, guided by associated molecules. Research uses complex in vitro experiments and models to uncover how these microtubule patterns emerge, are sustained, and position within cells.

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Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
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Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
07:20

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Published on: February 18, 2022

Visualizing Actin and Microtubule Coupling Dynamics In Vitro by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy
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Visualizing Actin and Microtubule Coupling Dynamics In Vitro by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy

Published on: July 20, 2022

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
08:49

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

Published on: June 23, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeletal dynamics

Background:

  • Microtubules are crucial cytoskeletal components.
  • Their organization into specific patterns dictates cellular architecture.
  • Associated molecules regulate microtubule dynamics (nucleation, polymerization, crosslinking, transport).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing microtubule pattern formation.
  • To understand how microtubule patterns are maintained within living cells.
  • To investigate how microtubule patterns self-organize in response to cellular geometry.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro reconstitution experiments of increasing complexity.
  • Theoretical modeling and simulations.
  • Analysis of microtubule pattern formation and positioning.

Main Results:

  • Identified key molecular players controlling microtubule organization.
  • Demonstrated how elementary microtubule patterns arise from basic principles.
  • Showcased the influence of cellular confinement on microtubule organization.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubule patterns are fundamental to cellular function and architecture.
  • A combination of in vitro experiments and theoretical models is effective for studying microtubule self-organization.
  • Understanding microtubule dynamics is key to comprehending cellular structure and function.