Centrosome and Centrioles:
- The centrosome is an organelle found in animal cells, typically containing two cylindrical structures known as centrioles. It is surrounded by an amorphous pericentriolar material.
- Centrioles:
- Centrioles are critical components of the centrosome, and they are organized in a perpendicular orientation to each other.
- Each centriole has a cartwheel-like structure.
- Structural Composition:
- Centrioles are composed of nine evenly spaced peripheral fibrils made of tubulin protein.
- Each peripheral fibril consists of a triplet arrangement.
- The adjacent triplets are interconnected.
- Hub:
- The central portion of the proximal region of the centriole is also proteinaceous and is called the hub. It is connected to the tubules of the peripheral triplets by radial spokes made of protein.
- Functions:
- Centrioles serve multiple functions, including forming the basal body for cilia and flagella, which are important for cellular movement and sensory functions.
- Additionally, during cell division in animal cells, centrioles are responsible for giving rise to spindle fibers that make up the spindle apparatus, essential for chromosome separation.