What happens if microtubules and microfilaments are absent in the cell?

Question

Ruby Armstrong · Accepted Answer

Some microtubules are using in protein transport (by kinesin and dynein). Even organelles like mitochondria is transported via microtubule network. So protein transport and organelle movement will get disrupted

For instance, directional mitochondrial motility was reduced when microtubules were disrupted using nocodazole. Florian Fuchs (2002) Neurospora crassa: the filamentous fungus and its interaction between mitochondria and microtubules https://tutor.hix.ai Mariusz Karbowski et al. (2000) Contrasting effects on the biogenesis of mitochondria in mammalian cells caused by microtubule-stabilizing and microtubule-destabilizing drugs https://tutor.hix.ai

Ruby Armstrong · Answer

undefined The absence of microtubules and microfilaments would result in a compromise of the structural integrity and shape of the cell, which would impact on a number of cellular processes, including cell division, intracellular transport, and motility. It would also cause a disruption of organelle positioning and cell signaling, which could cause functional deficits and even cell death.