- microtubule organizing centres
-
(= MTOC)Rather amorphous region of cytoplasm from which microtubules radiate. The pattern and number of microtubules is determined by the MTOC. The pericentriolar region is the major MTOC in animal cells; the basal body of a cilium is another example. Activity of MTOCs can be regulated, but the mechanism is unclear.
Dictionary of molecular biology. 2004.