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centrosome (cytocentrum)

A zone of cytoplasm generally near the nucleus containing 1 or 2 centrioles, but devoid of other organelles. It is a microtubule organizing center & regulator of cell-cycle progression. Discovered in 1888 originally described as the 'special organ of cell division'. Plays a role in mitosis, but is not essential. During interphase, generally associated with the nucleus. In mitosis, the nuclear membrane breaks down & the centrosome associated microtubules interact with the chromosomes to build the mitotic spindle.

Related

centrosomal protein

General

cell region

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.
  2. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Centrosome