Centrosome facts for kids

Diagram of a typical animal cell. It shows tiny parts called organelles that help the cell work. For example, (2) is the nucleus, which is like the cell's brain, and (9) is the mitochondria, which gives the cell energy.

In cell biology, the centrosome is a tiny but very important part of an animal cell. Think of it as the main organizer for the cell's "skeleton," which is made of tiny tubes called microtubules. The centrosome also helps control when and how a cell divides into two new cells.

The centrosome was first found by Edouard van Beneden in 1883. Later, in 1888, Theodor Boveri described it more fully and gave it its name.

Centrosomes are mostly found in animal cells. Other living things like fungi and plants use different structures to organize their microtubules. Even though centrosomes are very helpful for animal cells to divide properly, the cells can sometimes still divide without them.

A centrosome is made of two small, tube-shaped parts called centrioles. These two centrioles are usually found at right angles to each other. They are surrounded by a soft, shapeless cloud of proteins.

How the Centrosome Helps Cells

The centrosome is very important for cell division. It makes sure that each new cell gets the right number of parts.

Centrosome Duplication

Before a cell divides, its centrosome makes an exact copy of itself. This happens only once during the cell's life cycle. When the cell finally splits into two "daughter" cells, each new cell gets one centrosome.

Role in Cell Division

During the early stages of mitosis (which is when a cell divides), the two centrosomes move to opposite sides of the cell. They then help build a structure called the "mitotic spindle." This spindle is like a set of ropes that pulls the cell's genetic material apart evenly. After the cell divides, each new cell has its own centrosome.

Why Centrosomes are Important

Even though cells can sometimes divide without centrosomes, having them makes cell division much more accurate and efficient. Without centrosomes, cells might not divide as precisely. This can be a problem for the whole living thing, even if the individual cells can survive. Centrosomes help make sure that new cells are healthy and work correctly.

Images for kids

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  This picture shows how the centrosome helps a cell go through its life cycle.

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  Here, an arrow points to a centrosome, which is next to the cell's nucleus.

See also

In Spanish: Centrosoma para niños