Final answer:
Microtubule growth from the MTOC is characterized by the plus end extending towards the periphery of the cell and the minus end being attached to the MTOC. This polarity is important for various cellular processes, including cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microtubule Polarity and Growth from the MTOC
In microtubule growth, the plus end (+end) of the microtubule extends from the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) towards the periphery of the cell. This growth is fueled by GTP hydrolysis. On the other hand, the minus end (-end) of the microtubule is attached to the MTOC and is responsible for microtubule disassembly. The polarity of microtubules can be observed during cellular processes like cell division, where microtubules from opposite poles slide past each other and push apart the cell poles.