Question

The ability of microtubules to undergo rapid ___________ and slower ____________ is associated with the ability of the ______________ to explore the cell and locate chromosomes.

Answer 1

The ability of microtubules to undergo rapid depolymerization and slower polymerization is associated with the ability of the spindle apparatus to explore the cell and locate chromosomes.

Explanation:

Microtubules are tubulin polymers that make up part of the cytoskeleton and provide eukaryotic cells with framework and shape. These are formed by polymerizing the dimer into protofilaments of two globular proteins, alpha and beta tubulin, which can then be combined laterally to form the microtubule, a hollow tube.

Tubulin dimers can attach two GTP molecules, one of which may be hydrolyzed following assembly. Tubulin dimers are in GTP-bound state throughout polymerization. Once hydrolysis reaches to the peak of the microtubule, a rapid depolymerization and shrinkage is initiated.

Answer 2

The ability of microtubules to undergo rapid depolymerization and slower polymerization is associated with the ability of the spindle apparatus to explore the cell and locate chromosomes.

Explanation:

The microtubules share a major role in the spindle formation and chromosomal migration during cell division.  

Polymerization of alpha and beta tubulin globular protein dimer leads to the formation of microtubules. Due to enzymatic actions, the microtubules can polymerize and depolymerize with post-translational changes in the subunits of the tubulins. This leads to dynamic instability of the microtubules which plays an important role in mitosis.  

The microtubules formed during the interphase of mitosis in the interphase cells begin to dissemble and release free tubulin subunits. These subunits later reassemble to form spindle fibers and separate the daughter chromosomes in the newly formed cells. centrosome duplication takes place leading to two separate microtubule structures with polar chromosomes at the opposite poles of the spindle fibers.

This process is done with the help of centrioles and kinetochore fibers present in the microtubules. The kinetochore fibers help in the spindle formation which elongates and divides with the daughter cells at the poles the centrioles helps in holding the daughter cells in their polar position.