microtubule
Cytoskeletal protein cylinder
A microtubule is a microscopic hollow tube found in the cytoplasm of cells, formed from protein subunits.
Microtubules provide structural support, help cells maintain their shape, and serve as tracks along which cellular components move.
They form the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes during cell division and are essential components of cilia and flagella.
Monomers bonding into chains
- depolymerizationPolymer breakdown into monomers
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- rescueSave from harm
- assemblyConstructing from components
disassembly · growth · shrinkage · turnover · nucleation · elongation · shortening · colchicine
Rotating rod for thread
- centromereChromosome's spindle attachment site
- metaphaseChromosomal equator formation stage
- anaphaseChromatid separation stage
- prophaseFirst mitotic stage
telophase · cytokinesis · aster · cell division · meiosis
Transported goods
- vesicleSmall fluid-filled sac
- anterogradeMoving in normal direction
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
- traffickingIllegal transport for profit
endosome · lysosome · mitochondria · secretory pathway · neurotransmitter
Openwork of crossed strips
- dimerTwo-unit molecular assembly
- polarityState of opposing forces
- nucleationInitial cluster formation
- severingCutting apart completely
Cellular contractile protein
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
- structural integrityWholeness under load
- centrosomeMicrotubule-organizing organelle
polymerization
Monomers bonding into chains
- depolymerizationPolymer breakdown into monomers
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- rescueSave from harm
assembly · disassembly · growth · shrinkage · turnover · nucleation · elongation · shortening · colchicine · taxol
spindle
Rotating rod for thread
- centromereChromosome's spindle attachment site
- metaphaseChromosomal equator formation stage
- anaphaseChromatid separation stage
prophase · telophase · cytokinesis · aster · cell division · meiosis
cargo
Transported goods
- vesicleSmall fluid-filled sac
- anterogradeMoving in normal direction
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
trafficking · endosome · lysosome · mitochondria · secretory pathway · neurotransmitter
lattice
Openwork of crossed strips
- dimerTwo-unit molecular assembly
- polarityState of opposing forces
- nucleationInitial cluster formation
actin
Cellular contractile protein
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
- structural integrityWholeness under load
- centrosomeMicrotubule-organizing organelle
cilium
Motile cell appendage