ScienceSeptember 1, 2026

tubulin

TOO-byoo-lin

Definition

A globular protein that is the fundamental structural unit of microtubules, which are essential components of the cell's cytoskeleton.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'tubulus,' meaning 'small tube,' with the suffix '-in' used to denote a protein. It was coined in the 20th century to identify the specific protein sub-units that polymerize to form microtubules.

In the news

In this article, tubulin is used as a test case for the Brightness Demixing imaging method. It serves as a biological structure that researchers visualize to prove the effectiveness of tracking proteins by brightness instead of color.

Molecular Fluorescence: A New Signature for Biological Imaging

Read the full article ↗

Technology Org

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