[Structure and function of the microtubules]

The article the author reviews the substantial data from the literature on the morphology, biochemistry and physiology of these subcellular structures, which are the object of intensive studies during the recent ten years. He describes and presents his own figures of electrone microtubules in single cariotic cells and their subcellular organels. Ticrotubules in single cariotic cells and their stbcellular organels. The author pays attention to the most omportant processes, in which microtubules play substantial role: movement of chromosomes during the division of cells, intracellular organization and transport of the materials, maintenance of cellular form, movement of cells, formation of sensory apparatuses. In discussing these processes he pays special attention to the metabolic processes, with which the participation of microtubules is connected as well as to the mechanisms, by means of which various drugs, hormones and other biologic substances act.