Which of the following has a rigid wall composed of 13 protofilament s...
A microtubule consists of α - and β-tubulin dimers polymerized into a spiral around a hollow lumen to form a fairly rigid tubule. When cross-sectioned, the microtubule reveals 13 protofilament strands, which represent the tubulin dimers present in one complete turn of the spiral.
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Which of the following has a rigid wall composed of 13 protofilament s...
Understanding Microtubules
Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. They play a crucial role in maintaining cell shape, facilitating intracellular transport, and enabling cell division.
Structure of Microtubules
- Microtubules are composed of tubulin protein subunits, specifically alpha and beta tubulin.
- These tubulin dimers polymerize to form protofilaments.
- A typical microtubule is made up of 13 protofilaments arranged in a cylindrical structure.
Comparison with Other Structures
- Keratin: This is a fibrous protein forming intermediate filaments, primarily providing structural support and protection in cells. It does not have a rigid wall structure like microtubules.
- Lamin: Lamins are also intermediate filament proteins found in the nuclear lamina. They provide structural support to the nucleus but do not form the same type of rigid tubular structure as microtubules.
- Microfilaments: Composed mainly of actin, microfilaments are involved in various cellular processes, including muscle contraction and cell motility. They are much thinner than microtubules and do not have the same protofilament arrangement.
Conclusion
In summary, microtubules have a unique structure characterized by a rigid wall formed from 13 protofilament strands of tubulin, distinguishing them from keratin, lamin, and microfilaments. This structural property is what makes microtubules critical for various cellular functions.