Microtubules Flashcards
What are Microtubules?
Polymers of Tubulin
What is Tubulin?
A dimer of two subunits, α and β tubulin
What energy source do α and β tubulin bind?
GTP
Which form of Tubulin is GTP hydrolysed in?
β tubulin
What is the diameter of Microtubules?
25nm
What are Microtubules formed from?
13 protofilaments
What do Microtubule protofilaments consist of?
Tubulin dimers aligned end-to-end
What is the polarity of Protofilaments in a Microtubule in regards to Tubulin?
- α-tubulin at (-) end
- β-tubulin at (+) end
TRUE OR FALSE:
Critical concentration for addition of αβ tubulin dimers is the same for both ends of the microtubule?
False.
Critical concentration is DIFFERENT for both ends
TRUE OR FALSE:
At steady state, there is net ADDITION of tubulin at the (+) end and net LOSS at the (-) of the Microtubule?
True
What is Dynamic Instability in Microtubules?
Switching of the (+) end between growing and shrinking states
Where are DOUBLET microtubules found?
- Cilia
- Flagella
Where are TRIPLET microtubules found?
- Basal bodies
- Centrioles
How are Microtubules nucleated?
By structures called Microtubule-Organising Centres (MTOCs)
What is the MTOC of Interphase cells?
Centrosome