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 Staining of centrosome in human cell line A-431 (HPA038933)
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Centrosome

The centrosome of a cell is located close to the nucleus, and is the starting point of microtubule growth (the microtubule organizing centre). It consists of a centrosome matrix that encloses the two centrioles, situated at a 90 degrees angle towards each other. In motile cells the centrioles will become the basal bodies of cilia and flagella. The centrosome is surrounded by the pericentriolar matrix, which is responsible for the minus end formation of microtubules.

When mitosis begins, after replication of the DNA, the centrosomes (also duplicated) will move to opposite sides of the nucleus and form the two poles of the mitotic spindle, separating the chromosomes.

Immunofluorescent staining

The centrosome always overlaps with the center of the microtubules, making it easy to find. It can be stained either very specifically, where you can see the two separate centrioles, or it can be the surrounding centrosome associated proteins that are stained.

Examples IF

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4



Examples IH

Example 5