Tubulin is a globular protein that is the primary building block of microtubules, which are essential components of the cell's cytoskeleton. These microtubules play a critical role in maintaining cell shape, enabling intracellular transport, and facilitating cell division. Tubulin exists in several forms, primarily alpha and beta tubulin, which polymerize to form the microtubule structures. The dynamic nature of these polymers is crucial for their function in cellular activities.