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Microtubule Nucleation and Organization in Plant Cells

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The Plant Cytoskeleton

Part of the book series: Advances in Plant Biology ((AIPB,volume 2))

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Abstract

Microtubule nucleation is the first step of microtubule formation. A unique property of land plant cells is the lack of a centrosome, which is the major site of microtubule nucleation in animal cells. Despite lacking centrosomes, land plant cells nevertheless form complex microtubule arrays and reorganize them rapidly during physiological responses or as a function of cell cycle progression. Although not packed into a focal structure like a centrosome, plant cells do contain centrosomal components, such as γ-tubulin complexes, that play a role in microtubule nucleation and organization. For various microtubule arrays formed by land plants, we review characterization of microtubule nucleation sites and of proteins involved in microtubule nucleation, paying particular attention to γ-tubulin. By discussing current knowledge, this review aims to elucidate promising future directions for research.

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  1. National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Japan

    Takashi Murata

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  1. Takashi Murata
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  2. Mitsuyasu Hasebe
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Correspondence to Takashi Murata .

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  1. Sect. Plant Biology, University of California, Shields Avenue 1, Davis, 95616, California, USA

    Bo Liu

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Murata, T., Hasebe, M. (2011). Microtubule Nucleation and Organization in Plant Cells. In: Liu, B. (eds) The Plant Cytoskeleton. Advances in Plant Biology, vol 2. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0987-9_4

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