The Hydrolysis of GTP to GDP Carried Out by Tubulin

Question

The hydrolysis of GTP to GDP carried out by tubulin molecules
A)provides the energy needed for tubulin to polymerize.
B)occurs because the pool of free GDP has run out.
C)tips the balance in favor of microtubule assembly.
D)allows the behavior of microtubules called dynamic instability.

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis of GTP to GDP by tubulin molecules allows for the dynamic instability of microtubules, where they can rapidly switch between phases of growth and shrinkage. This is because the GTP-bound form of tubulin promotes microtubule growth, while the GDP-bound form promotes depolymerization.