microtubule

[ mahy-kroh-too-byool, -tyoo- ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a hollow cylindrical structure in the cytoplasm of most cells, involved in intracellular shape and transport.

microtubule

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈtjuːbjuːl /

noun

1. biology a tubular aggregate of protein subunits that forms structures, such as the mitotic spindle or the cilia of animal cells or of protozoans, in which the protein interacts with other proteins to generate various cellular movements

microtubule

/ mī′krō-to̅o̅′byo̅o̅l /

1. Any of the tube-shaped protein structures that help eukaryotic cells maintain their shape and assist in forming the cell spindle during cell division. Microtubules and actin filaments are the main components of the cell's supporting matrix or cytoskeleton .

Word History and Origins

Origin of microtubule¹

First recorded in 1960–65; micro- + tubule

Example Sentences

The Penrose-Hameroff theory of quantum consciousness argues that microtubules are structured in a fractal pattern which would enable quantum processes to occur.

From Singularity Hub 

Each neuron contains microtubules, which transport substances to different parts of the cell.

From Singularity Hub 

When they added nucleotides to the drops to simulate polymerization, the tubulin monomers assembled into beautiful microtubules.

From Quanta Magazine