Spindle Fibres
Spindle fibers, also known as microtubules, are specialized structures that play a crucial role in cell division, specifically during mitosis and meiosis
Spindle fibers, also known as microtubules, are specialized structures that play a crucial role in cell division, specifically during mitosis and meiosis. They form part of the mitotic spindle, a dynamic structure responsible for separating chromosomes into two daughter cells.
The main function of spindle fibers is to attach to and move chromosomes during cell division. They are made up of protein filaments called tubulin, which are arranged in a cylindrical shape, forming a hollow tube. These microtubules have a plus end that grows and a minus end that remains relatively stable.
During mitosis, spindle fibers are responsible for aligning and separating the chromosomes into two daughter cells. The process begins in prophase, where the spindle fibers start to form and extend from opposite sides of the cell towards the center. These fibers connect to the centromeres of the chromosomes at specialized structures called kinetochores, which are found at the centromeric region of each chromosome.
As the cell progresses into metaphase, the spindle fibers continue to attach to the kinetochores and line up the chromosomes along the equatorial plane of the cell. This alignment ensures that each daughter cell will receive an equal number and combination of chromosomes.
During anaphase, the spindle fibers exert force on the chromosomes, causing the sister chromatids to separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. This movement is facilitated by the depolymerization of microtubules at the plus end, shortening the microtubule and pulling the chromosomes apart.
Finally, in telophase, the spindle fibers continue to depolymerize and disappear as the cell prepares to form the cleavage furrow and divide into two daughter cells.
In addition to their role in chromosome movement, spindle fibers also play a role in cell shape and organization. They help to position the mitotic spindle in the center of the cell and assist in maintaining the overall structure of the spindle.
In summary, spindle fibers are essential for cell division as they assist in chromosome alignment, separation, and distribution to daughter cells. They are dynamic structures made of tubulin protein filaments that attach to the kinetochores of chromosomes and exert force to facilitate chromosome movement during mitosis and meiosis.
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