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Related Concept Videos

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

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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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Neurons: The Axon01:21

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Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment....
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Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

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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.
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Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

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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....
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Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

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Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their...
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Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

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The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Measuring Axonal Cargo Transport in Mouse Primary Cortical Cultured Neurons
04:39

Measuring Axonal Cargo Transport in Mouse Primary Cortical Cultured Neurons

Published on: February 24, 2023

624

The axonal cytoskeleton: from organization to function.

Josta T Kevenaar1, Casper C Hoogenraad1

  • 1Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands.

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
|September 1, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The neuronal cytoskeleton, including actin and microtubules, is crucial for axon structure, function, and specialized compartments. Proper regulation is vital for preventing neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords:
actinaxonaxon initial segmentcytoskeletonkinesinmicrotubulepresynapsetransport

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Production and Isolation of Axons from Sensory Neurons for Biochemical Analysis Using Porous Filters
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Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy 3D-SIM
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Production and Isolation of Axons from Sensory Neurons for Biochemical Analysis Using Porous Filters
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Production and Isolation of Axons from Sensory Neurons for Biochemical Analysis Using Porous Filters

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The axon, a key neuronal projection, relies on a complex cytoskeleton for its formation, transport, and specialized structures like the axon initial segment (AIS).
  • The neuronal cytoskeleton, comprising microtubules (MTs), actin filaments, and neurofilaments, provides essential structural support and functional regulation within the axon.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of current knowledge regarding actin and microtubule organization in axons.
  • To discuss the functional roles of the axonal cytoskeleton in specialized structures and its implications for neuronal health.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on axonal cytoskeleton organization.
  • Analysis of models detailing the functional contributions of actin and microtubules in specialized axonal domains.

Main Results:

  • The unique organization of actin and microtubules is fundamental to axonal integrity and specialized structures.
  • Dysregulation of actin- and microtubule-dependent processes is increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Conclusions:

  • A well-regulated axonal cytoskeleton is indispensable for normal neuronal function.
  • Understanding cytoskeleton dynamics is critical for addressing diseases associated with axonal defects.