Centriole Centriole ClearType A centriole in Biology is a barrel shaped microtubule structure found in most Animal cells, and cells of fungi and Algae though not frequently in plants. The walls of each centriole are composed of nine triplet microtubules or, in the case of Drosophila, nine triplet microtubules. The microtubules which make up the centriole are very stable and are acetylated.

Two centrioles are arranged perpendicularly and surrounded by further proteins (the pericentriolar material) to form the Centrosome.

Centrioles are important in the Cell division process, organizing the Mitotic spindle upon which the chromosomes are pulled apart. Some animal cells are able to divide their chromosomes without centrioles, for instance in female Meiosis. Centrioles assist the cell through the process of Mitosis and in male Meiosis.

The proteins which make up the centrioles (the proteome) of the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have been determined.

Centrioles are structurally identical to the Basal body.

[image]