tubulin
Cytoskeleton building block
Tubulin is a protein that forms the building blocks of microtubules—hollow tubes that provide structure to cells, enable cell division, and serve as tracks for intracellular transport.
Tubulin molecules assemble and disassemble dynamically, allowing cells to reorganize their internal scaffolding as needed.
The protein is a target of certain chemotherapy drugs that disrupt cancer cell division.
Monomers bonding into chains
- depolymerizationPolymer breakdown into monomers
- nucleationInitial cluster formation
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- rescueSave from harm
assembly · disassembly · growth · shrinkage
Gout medication from flowers
- taxolYew-derived antitumor compound
- podophyllotoxinCytotoxic plant lignan
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
Microtubule-organizing organelle
- asterMitotic spindle anchor
- anaphaseChromatid separation stage
- midbodyCentral portion of form
- cytokinesisCytoplasmic division after mitosis
Two-unit molecular assembly
- latticeOpenwork of crossed strips
- globularSphere-shaped
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- subunitPart of larger entity
Whiplike locomotion appendages
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- neuriteNerve cell projection
- neurodegenerationProgressive loss of neurons
polymerization
Monomers bonding into chains
- depolymerizationPolymer breakdown into monomers
- nucleationInitial cluster formation
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
rescue · assembly · disassembly · growth · shrinkage
colchicine
Gout medication from flowers
- taxolYew-derived antitumor compound
- podophyllotoxinCytotoxic plant lignan
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
centrosome
Microtubule-organizing organelle
dimer
Two-unit molecular assembly
- latticeOpenwork of crossed strips
- globularSphere-shaped
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
subunit · monomer · C-terminus · N-terminus · acetylation
flagella
Whiplike locomotion appendages
tau
Greek nineteenth letter
axon
Neuron's signal-sending projection
cargo
Transported goods
- anterogradeMoving in normal direction
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
- tubular bellsStruck metal tube instrument
- tubular steelHollow cylindrical metal sections
- tubular reabsorptionNephron recovery of filtered substances