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microtubule organising centre

(Science: cell biology) Rather amorphous region of cytoplasm from which microtubules radiate. The pattern and number of microtubules is determined by the microtubule organising centre.

The pericentriolar region is the major microtubule organising centre in animal cells, the basal body of a cilium is another example. Activity of microtubule organising centres can be regulated, but the mechanism is unclear.

Acronym: MTOC