Microtubules exhibit a characteristic known as 'dynamic instability.' This process is primarily driven by the hydrolysis of which molecule?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: GTP
Microtubules grow by adding GTP-bound tubulin dimers; however, hydrolysis of GTP to GDP by beta-tubulin weakens the affinity between dimers. This leads to rapid depolymerization, or 'catastrophe,' if the GTP cap is lost.
Keep practicing
More Cytoskeleton and Its Filaments questions
- Which cytoskeletal element is responsible for forming the contractile ring during cytokinesis in animal cells?
- Which of the following intermediate filaments is specifically found in the nucleus and provides structural support to the nuclear envelope?
- Which motor protein typically moves cargo toward the 'minus' end of microtubules, usually toward the centrosome?
- The '9+2' arrangement of microtubules is a structural hallmark of which cellular organelles?
- In the context of muscle contraction, actin filaments interact with which motor protein?
- Which of the following is a key functional difference between intermediate filaments and the other two cytoskeletal components?