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Intracellular Transportation
Microtubules are like conveyor belts inside a plant's cells. They assist with the rapid transport of organelles, such as the chloroplasts that are required for photosynthesis. According to the Annual Reviews website, microtubules assist in the movement of other cytoplasmic materials, such as mitochondria and proteins.
Structure
An article published on the Annual Reviews website states that microtubules perform a cytoskeletal role in maintaining cell asymmetry. By determining the shape of cells, microtubules help shape the entire plant. According to the Journal of Cell Science, the arrays of decentralized microtubules are able to self-organize. They are powered by kinesin motors that work together with a group of microtubule-associated proteins that are unique to plants. These form bridges between adjacent microtubules that help maintain spacing and overall structure.
Cell Division
Microtubules help guide the separation of chromosomes during cell division, according to the Stanford University release. The migration of chromosomes produced during cell division takes place on the microtubules that make up the spindle fibers. According to the Plant Cell website, the position of the pre-prophase band of microtubules within the dividing cell determines where the new cell wall will occur. This is an important site in the control of tissue formation.
Reorganization
Microtubules help cells reorganize in response to pathogens and external signals such as changes in gravity, according to the journal Plant Biotechnology. Microtubules are able to move within plant cells in a process known as "treadmilling." This occurs when small parts of protein are added to the microtubule's leading end and simultaneously removed from its trailing end.