Arizona State University (ASU) BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Exam 1 Practice

Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton that play a critical role in the movement of organelles within a cell. They are hollow tubes made of tubulin protein subunits, which provide structural support and facilitate intracellular transport.

The reason microtubules are primarily involved in organelle movement is that they serve as tracks for motor proteins, such as kinesin and dynein. These motor proteins move along the microtubules, carrying cellular cargo such as vesicles, organelles, and other protein complexes. This transport is crucial for maintaining cellular organization and function, allowing organelles to reach their required locations within the cell efficiently.

The other components of the cytoskeleton, like microfilaments and intermediate filaments, have different roles. Microfilaments primarily support cell shape and enable muscle contraction, while intermediate filaments provide structural stability and resist mechanical stress. Centrioles, on the other hand, are involved in cell division and the formation of cilia and flagella but are not directly involved in organelle movement. Thus, microtubules stand out for their specific function in facilitating the transport of organelles across the cell.