Microtubule Organizing Center
The microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) is a structure found in eukaryotic cells from which microtubules emerge. MTOCs have two main functions: the organization of eukaryotic flagella and cilia and the organization of the mitotic and meiotic spindle apparatus, which separate the chromosomes during cell division. The MTOC is a major site of microtubule nucleation and can be visualized in cells by immunohistochemical detection of γ-tubulin. The morphological characteristics of MTOCs vary between the different phylas and kingdoms. In animals, the two most important types of MTOCs are the basal bodies associated with cilia and the centrosome associated with spindle formation.
Read more about Microtubule Organizing Center: Organization of MTOC in Cells, Interphase MTOC, Centrosomes, Basal Body, Spindle Pole Body, Plant MTOCs, Signal Tranduction
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