Final answer:
ATP is the energy source responsible for controlling the dynamic instability of microtubules. Motor proteins, such as dynein and kinesin, use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to slide along microtubules and carry out cellular functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy source that controls the dynamic instability of microtubules is ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Microtubules are composed of tubulin dimers, and the assembly and disassembly of microtubules is driven by the hydrolysis of GTP (guanosine triphosphate). ATP is required for the sliding of microtubules, which is facilitated by motor proteins, such as dynein and kinesin. These motor proteins use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to move along microtubules and carry out various cellular functions.
Overall, ATP plays a crucial role in controlling the dynamic behavior of microtubules and the movement of cellular components.