Cytoskeleton

Cytoskeleton:
  Can be defined as highly organized network of structural proteins responsible for maintaining the shape and organization of cells and promoting movement.
 
The cytoskeleton comprises 3 proteins:
1. Microtubules
2. microfilament
3. intermediate filaments.
Microtubules:
  Unique to eukaryotes. Microtubules are small intracellular tubes composed subunit proteins termed tubulin. (i.e. Polymer of tubulins)
Tubulins are of 2 types : α and β.
One alpha- and one beta-tubulin form a heterodimer.
Under appropriate conditions tubulin subunits polymerize to form microtubules.
Polymerization is guided by a variety of structures:
• basal bodies.
• centrioles
• centromeres os chromosome.

Collectively these 3 structures is known as Microtubules Organizing Centres (MTOCs)

                                                                       

                                             

   



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