2nd half Term 1 Cell Biology cytoskeleton - Microtubules Flashcards
Define doublet
9 x 2 structure
Define triplet
9 x 3 structure
Describe single non-motile cilia
1 non-moving cilia per cell, almost in all cells in body
Describe single motile cilia
sensory organs, transport physical impulses (light, odour)
Describe multiple motile cilia
respiratory system, fallopian tube, thousands per cell, co-ordinated pattern beating, move liquid
describe function of beating cilia
- power stroke
- recovery stroke
- power = moves liq. out
- goes back in position, w/out moving liq.
what do the three structures of kinesins and dyneins do:
- Globular heads
- Coiled stalk
- Light chain
- bind to MT
- flexibilty
- attach cargo
what is the base of cilia and flagella?
Basal body (triplet)
Describe 2 main functions of centriole and centrosomes
- Nucleation point for MT joining together and stabilising -ve end
- 1 centrosome for mitosis
Describe the structure and shape centrioles
1 triplet, cylinder
Describe the location of centrosomes
near the Golgi, surrounded by pericentriolar material.
Decribe the arrangement of centrioles and centrosomes
perpendicular arrangement
what makes up a centrosome
2 centrioles
Define ciliopathies (caused by mutations in kinesin and dynein
genetic disorder that fx cellular cilia/ the cilia anchoring structures, the basal bodies/ ciliary func.
Give the role of gamma tubulin complex
helps protect -ve end of MTs asscociated with MTOCs (MT organising centre)
what is a protofilament
a linear polymer in MTs (i.e. each vertical column of heterodimers)
Where are doublets found in cell organelles
Doublets are found in cilia and flagella;
Where are triplets found?
triplets are found in basal bodies & centrioles.
Define nucleation
process by which new MTs can grow from ogliomers (which act as seeds for new MTs to grow from)

What does MT growth depend on
Microtubule growth in vitro depends on the concentration of tubulin dimers.
Define overall nucleation point
MT assembly is exactly balanced with disassembly , I.e MT assembly = MT disassembly
What often gets anchored at the centrosome ?
what are MT dynamics confined to in certain cases?
- minus ends of MTs are often anchored at the centrosome;
- MT dynamics are confined to plus ends.
What is treadmilling
What’s Produced from simultaneous assembly and disassembly of MTs
What type of cells does treadmilling occur in?
Living cells