Dynamic instability (動態不穩定性)
This rapid interconversion between a growing and shrinking state, at a uniform free subunit concentration, is called dynamic instability. It is a property of the plus end of the microtubule, subunits are added to the plus end during growth and lost from the plus end during shrinkage.
The change to rapid growth is called rescue.
The change to rapid shrinkage is called catastrophe.