1. Plural of centriole; small cylindrical structures found in animal cells that help organize microtubules and play a role in cell division.
Usage: biology; typically found in pairs near the nucleus; absent in most plant cells

Examples

• Centrioles are located in the centrosome of animal cells.
• During mitosis, the centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell.
• Under an electron microscope, centrioles appear as short, hollow cylinders.
• Plant cells typically lack centrioles, relying on other structures for spindle formation.
• The centrioles help nucleate the microtubules that form the spindle fibers.
• Scientists study centrioles to understand how cells divide and organize their internal structures.