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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
Destabilization of Microtubules01:45

Destabilization of Microtubules

The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
Anaphase A and B01:39

Anaphase A and B

Microtubules form through the end-to-end polymerization of tubulin heterodimers. Kinetochore microtubules originate from the spindle poles, and their plus-ends connect with the kinetochores on sister-chromatids. Ndc80 protein complexes, present on the kinetochore, form low-affinity links with the plus end of these kinetochore microtubules.
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
12:20

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends

Published on: March 15, 2014

Dipole-dipole interactions in microtubules.

Jacques E Schoutens1

  • 1665 Shaw Street, PO Box 634, Los Alamos, CA 93440 U.S.A.

Journal of Biological Physics
|January 25, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Microtubule shape is determined by dipole-dipole interactions. These interactions contribute significantly to microtubule rigidity, explaining their structural stability and mechanical properties.

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers with diverse cellular functions.
  • Their mechanical properties, such as flexural rigidity, are crucial for cellular processes.
  • The underlying molecular mechanisms governing microtubule structure and mechanics are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of dipole-dipole interactions in determining microtubule shape and mechanical properties.
  • To quantify the contribution of these interactions to microtubule flexural rigidity.

Main Methods:

  • Calculation of interaction energy among dipole components in microtubules.
  • Modeling of both un-deformed and elliptically deformed microtubule structures.
Keywords:
dipoleselastic propertiesinteractionsmicrotubule

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
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Published on: March 15, 2014

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
08:49

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Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
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Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

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  • Determination of contributions to longitudinal and transverse flexural rigidities.

    • Main Results:

    • Interaction energy increases with microtubule deformation, indicating a minimum energy state for the cylindrical shape.
    • Total dipole-dipole interaction energy is positive, supporting the cylindrical shape as energetically favorable.
    • Dipole-dipole interactions contribute 50-60% to longitudinal flexural rigidity and a smaller fraction to transverse rigidity.

    Conclusions:

    • Microtubule cylindrical shape is likely a consequence of dipole-dipole interactions.
    • These interactions significantly influence microtubule mechanical properties, particularly longitudinal rigidity.
    • The findings provide insights into the structural mechanics of microtubules at the molecular level.