microtubule
noun
mi·cro·tu·bule
ˌmī-krō-ˈtü-(ˌ)byül 
-ˈtyü-
: any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
Examples of microtubule in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The identification of rare mutations in this gene that are more common in left-handers suggests that microtubules are involved in setting up the brain's normal asymmetries, Francks said.
—
Fox News, 2 Apr. 2024
In a brain ravaged by Alzheimer’s, microtubules, which are crucial to cell communication, disintegrate as tau proteins (blue) form tangles and amyloid proteins (green) form plaques.
—Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2019
The drug binds to the protein tubulin in cells, preventing it from forming into microtubules, which are vital structural components of cells.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023
Our cells’ overall structures are supported by microtubules, hollow tubes that give cells their shape.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2019
Along with another protein called tubulin, tau binds to these microtubules to keep them strong and stabilized.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2019
These units assemble themselves into chains, forming the microtubule.
—Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018
Bandyopadhyay inserted the needle into a rat neuron to view the microtubule.
—Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018
Within these boundaries, the microtubules organized themselves, ultimately producing compartments that closely resembled those formed under the guidance of sperm centrosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Jan. 2020
Fox News, 2 Apr. 2024
In a brain ravaged by Alzheimer’s, microtubules, which are crucial to cell communication, disintegrate as tau proteins (blue) form tangles and amyloid proteins (green) form plaques.
—Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2019
The drug binds to the protein tubulin in cells, preventing it from forming into microtubules, which are vital structural components of cells.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023
Our cells’ overall structures are supported by microtubules, hollow tubes that give cells their shape.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2019
Along with another protein called tubulin, tau binds to these microtubules to keep them strong and stabilized.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2019
These units assemble themselves into chains, forming the microtubule.
—Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018
Bandyopadhyay inserted the needle into a rat neuron to view the microtubule.
—Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018
Within these boundaries, the microtubules organized themselves, ultimately producing compartments that closely resembled those formed under the guidance of sperm centrosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 Jan. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microtubule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near microtubule
Cite this Entry
“Microtubule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microtubule. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Medical Definition
microtubule
noun
mi·cro·tu·bule
ˌmī-krō-ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l
: any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
More from Merriam-Webster on microtubule
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microtubule
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