Summary
Alternating growth and rapid shrinkage called dynamic instability lets tubulin polymers explore space and build the spindle.
In depth
Tubulin dimers carrying GTP add to the plus end; after GTP hydrolysis the lattice becomes unstable and can undergo catastrophe, rapid shrinking. Rescue switches back to growth. This dynamic instability lets microtubules search the cytoplasm and capture chromosomes.
Drugs exploit this: paclitaxel stabilises microtubules and colchicine prevents assembly, both blocking mitosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Microtubule Dynamics?
Alternating growth and rapid shrinkage called dynamic instability lets tubulin polymers explore space and build the spindle.
Which area of biology covers Microtubule Dynamics, and how advanced is it?
Microtubule Dynamics is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Mitosis, Cytoskeleton, G Protein-Coupled Receptors.
Can you give an example of Microtubule Dynamics?
During mitosis microtubules are far more dynamic than during interphase.
What should I learn before Microtubule Dynamics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Cell Biology first, such as Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell, then return to Microtubule Dynamics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Microtubule Dynamics?
The closest topics to Microtubule Dynamics are Mitosis, Cytoskeleton, G Protein-Coupled Receptors, Cytokinesis. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Microtubule Dynamics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Microtubule Dynamics. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Microtubule Dynamics different from Mitosis?
Microtubule Dynamics: Alternating growth and rapid shrinkage called dynamic instability lets tubulin polymers explore space and build the spindle. Mitosis: Nuclear division that produces two genetically identical daughter nuclei with the same chromosome number as the parent. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Microtubule Dynamics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Mitosis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.