The process in which tubulin alpha-beta heterodimers begin aggregation to form an oligomeric tubulin structure (a microtubule seed). Microtubule nucleation is the initiating step in the formation of a microtubule in the absence of any existing microtubules ('de novo' microtubule formation).

The aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of a set of macromolecules to form a protein-containing complex.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of a retinal cone cell.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of a retinal rod cell.

A structure comprised of a core structure (in most organisms, a pair of centrioles) and peripheral material from which a microtubule-based structure, such as a spindle apparatus, is organized. Centrosomes occur close to the nucleus during interphase in many eukaryotic cells, though in animal cells it changes continually during the cell-division cycle.

A structure comprised of a core structure (in most organisms, a pair of centrioles) and peripheral material from which a microtubule-based structure, such as a spindle apparatus, is organized. Centrosomes occur close to the nucleus during interphase in many eukaryotic cells, though in animal cells it changes continually during the cell-division cycle.

The part of the cytoplasm that does not contain organelles but which does contain other particulate matter, such as protein complexes.

A multiprotein complex composed of gamma-tubulin and other non-tubulin proteins that forms a flexible open ring structure thought to be the unit of nucleation at the minus end of a microtubule.

The part of the cytoskeleton (the internal framework of a cell) composed of microtubules and associated proteins.

A lipid bilayer along with all the proteins and protein complexes embedded in it an attached to it.

An organelle consisting of a network of tubules that functions in targeting molecules, such as receptors transporters and lipids, to the plasma membrane.

A structure comprised of a core structure (in most organisms, a pair of centrioles) and peripheral material from which a microtubule-based structure, such as a spindle apparatus, is organized. Centrosomes occur close to the nucleus during interphase in many eukaryotic cells, though in animal cells it changes continually during the cell-division cycle.

An organelle consisting of a network of tubules that functions in targeting molecules, such as receptors transporters and lipids, to the plasma membrane.