What are centrosomes? What functions do they perform?

What are centrosomes? What functions do they perform? 

Answer:  Centrosome is a small, star shaped protoplasmic organelle and is present near to nucleus. In animal cells, it

consists of two small granules called centrioles. 

These centrioles are orthogonally arranged i.e. lie at right angles to each other.  

In plant cells, centrioles are absent. 

Functions of Centrosomes: 

1. Initiate cell division 

2. During cell division, centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell and help in spindle formation. 

3. They form basal bodies (microtubules like structures ) which form cilia or flagella.