Mitotic spindle

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Mitotic Spindle

The Mitotic Spindle (pronunciation: /mɪˈtɒtɪk ˈspɪndəl/) is a structure that forms during cell division to separate the chromosomes between the two daughter cells.

Etymology

The term "Mitotic Spindle" is derived from the Greek word "mitos" meaning thread, and the Old English word "spindel" meaning a spindle for spinning. The term refers to the thread-like appearance of the structure during cell division.

Function

The Mitotic Spindle is responsible for the alignment and separation of chromosomes during mitosis. It is composed of microtubules, which are protein structures that extend from the centrosomes at opposite ends of the cell. The microtubules attach to the chromosomes at the kinetochore, a protein structure on the centromere of each chromosome. During cell division, the microtubules shorten, pulling the chromosomes apart to opposite ends of the cell.

Related Terms

  • Centrosome: An organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center of the cell and plays a key role in cell division.
  • Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
  • Kinetochore: A protein structure on chromatids where the spindle fibers attach during cell division to pull sister chromatids apart.
  • Microtubule: A microscopic cylindrical structure present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, involved in maintaining the structure of the cell and, together with microfilaments and intermediate filaments, forms the cytoskeleton.
  • Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.

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