Microtubules
/ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈtuː.bjuːlz/noun
Hollow protein structures in cells that help maintain shape, organize internal components, and transport materials.
Did you know?During cell division, microtubules assemble into the mitotic spindle, a temporary molecular machine that pulls duplicated chromosomes into separate cells.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“Small or diminished; a proposed ancient root behind Greek mikros”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μῑκρός (mikrós)
“Small or little”
Classical Latin
Latin
tubus
“A tube, pipe, or cylindrical channel”
Late Latin
Latin
tubulus
“A small tube”
19th Century
Scientific English
microtubule
“A microscopic tubular structure; formed from micro- and tubule”
20th Century–Present
English
microtubules
“Plural: cytoskeletal protein tubes involved in cellular structure, transport, and division”