What is the primary function of microtubules?

Microtubules are a crucial component of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells and play several important roles. Their primary function is to provide structural support and shape to the cell, which contributes to the overall organization of the cytoskeleton. However, they are particularly essential in the formation and function of flagella and cilia.

Flagella and cilia consist of a core structure known as the axoneme, which is composed of microtubules arranged in a specific pattern. This arrangement allows for the whip-like motion of flagella and the coordinated beating of cilia, enabling movement and the transportation of substances across the cell surface.

While microtubules do assist with cellular transport and can be involved indirectly in signaling and metabolic processes, their defining and primary role in this context is their structural contribution to flagella and cilia, facilitating movement and motility in various cell types.