What is Centriole?
Centrioles are cylindrical or barrel-shaped cell organelles that have essential roles in the formation of centrosomes, cilia, and flagella. A Belgian embryologist, Edouard van Beneden, discovered centrioles in the late 19th century. He was studying the eggs of marine invertebrates when he observed these structures.
In animal cells, centrioles are usually present in pairs; this pair is located within a centrosome. Within the centrosome, the centrioles are angled perpendicular to each other. The cells undergo division via mitosis where the centrioles form areas that are responsible for the formation of mitotic spindle.
Centriole – Structure & Functions
Centriole is a cell organelle found in animals and some lower plants like Chlamydomonas. It plays a crucial role in several cellular processes, including cell division regulation and cytoskeletal organization. Centriole structure is constituted by a protein known as tubulin.
Centrioles produce spindle fibers that bond to the centromeres of chromosomes, facilitating the separation of sister chromatids to opposite cell poles during the anaphase stage of mitosis. This article discusses the definition of centrioles, their structure, the functions of centrioles in animal cells, and centriole replication.
Table of Content
- Centriole Definition
- What is a Centriole?
- Centriole Structure
- Functions of Centrioles
- Centriole Replication
- Conclusion: Centriole