Mitotic spindle

Mitotic spindle

The Mitotic spindle is a structure of the eukaryotic cell that forms during cell division to separate sister chromatids between daughter cells. It is composed of microtubules, motor proteins, and chromosomes.

Structure

The mitotic spindle is made up of microtubules, which are protein structures that extend from the centrosome, the microtubule organizing center, to the chromosomes. The microtubules are dynamic and constantly changing, which allows them to move chromosomes to the correct location during cell division.

Function

The primary function of the mitotic spindle is to ensure that each daughter cell receives an equal number of chromosomes during cell division. It does this by attaching to the kinetochore, a protein structure on the chromatid, and moving the chromosomes to the center of the cell. Once all the chromosomes are aligned at the center, the spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids apart and towards opposite ends of the cell.

Role in cell division

During mitosis, the spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes and align them at the center of the cell. This is known as the metaphase plate. Once all the chromosomes are aligned, the spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids apart and towards opposite ends of the cell. This is known as anaphase. Once the chromosomes have reached the opposite ends of the cell, telophase begins, and the cell begins to divide.

See also

• Cell cycle
• Cytokinesis
• Meiosis

References

Mitotic spindle Resources
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