What role do centrioles play in relation to microtubules?

Centrioles are cylindrical structures found in animal cells that play a crucial role in the assembly of microtubules, particularly during cell division. They serve as the focal point for microtubule organization, facilitating the formation of the mitotic spindle necessary for separating chromosomes. During mitosis, the centrioles replicate and migrate to opposite poles of the cell, where they help to nucleate microtubules from the centrosome. This process is essential for proper cell division, as it ensures that the microtubules correctly attach to the chromosomes and pull them apart into the daughter cells.

While centrioles do not stabilize, dismantle, or transport microtubules directly, their primary function is to regulate the assembly of microtubules, highlighting the importance of centrioles in the overall dynamics of the cytoskeleton and cellular processes.